City introduces new Manager, Fire Marshal resigns post

WEIMAR — The Weimar City Council meeting on March 14 saw significant developments as they publicly introduced the new city manager Richard Whitten and accepted Fire Marshal Russ McAfee’s resignation.

The now open position of fire marshal highlighted a meeting that covered several action items on funding for repairs, equipment and services.

After just a few months in the position, McAfee cited unforeseen circumstances that led him to determine that he would not be able to maintain the position with the city. The city will not be able to receive recommendations until the next council meeting. Other details surrounding McAfee’s resignation were not released. Fire marshal services can be requested from the county or other neighboring municipalities.

The city approved to enter a 5-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. to equip the force with body cameras, car cameras and tasers for a total cost of $116,991.79 over the life of the contract.

The city chose to contract with Techline Inc to replace the power pole at 301 S. Mechanic St. for a total of $8,900.

A payment of $11,397.64 was accepted for an air conditioning unit at the Weimar Golf Club.

Invision Pools will be trusted with the city pool repairs for up to $12,500 to get it back in operation. City Manager Whitten requested to add a discussion on pool maintenance to the next meeting’s agenda.

The council also made two proclamations during the proceedings as they recognized a milestone birthday and a national month of recognition. Theodore Mensik received a proclamation from the city recognizing his 100th birthday and wishing him good health.

The city also proclaimed that April would be recognized as National Poetry month in Weimar, joining a nation- wide celebration of the art form. The council chose April 25 to be the night of Poetry Open Mic Night in celebration of the month.

The city reminded residents of a few events in the coming weeks. The Weimar Spring Clean Up event will be Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Community Shred-It Event will be Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. The annual Gedenke! event is set for Saturday, May 11.

The next city council meeting will be moved to Friday, April 10 instead of its regularly scheduled date on May 9.