Hubbard looking for new ideas (10/11/05)

DUNKIRK — A few good men and women — that’s what Mayor Sam Hubbard is seeking to serve on a special volunteer committee to help improve city operations.

Noting that the city is currently facing some tough economic times, Hubbard said in the next few days he hopes to appoint a committee to study methods of improving and streamlining city services, possibly cutting expenses and combining some departments.

At Monday night’s council meeting, the mayor asked other city officials for some recommendations, saying he planned to name seven or nine members to the committee.

“Hopefully we can come up with some good ideas and later on try to implement some of them,” Hubbard said.

“I think in the next few years, we’re going to need some drastic cost-cutting measures,” the mayor added.

The mayor did not have a particular name in mind for the new committee yet, but its goals will be trying to trim expenses and improve city operations.

In other business at Monday’s council session, the mayor noted that Dunkirk Park Board president Ron Fuller had submitted his resignation from that position. He is also stepping down from his job as West Jay Community Center administrator.

The mayor said that Fuller recently accepted a new position in the glass manufacturing industry. He formerly worked as a mold-maker for many years at Indiana Glass Company.

“Fuller did a fine job in both positions,” Hubbard said, adding that his dedication and service will be missed.

Also in connection with Fuller’s resignation, the mayor pointed out, “We’re in the process of looking for a new park board member.”

The park board meets once a month and by statute is supposed to include five members — two Democrats and two Republicans and one individual appointed by the Dunkirk City Public Library Board.

Fuller is a Democrat, and consequently Hubbard said that if any Democrats are interested in filling his vacancy on the park board, they may contact either him or Dunkirk city councilman Tom Johnson who supervises the parks and recreation department.

In other business at Monday’s meeting, city council members:

•Unanimously agreed with a recommendation from councilwoman Connie Whetsel to grant a $5,000, five-year, interest-free loan from the city’s business revitalization fund to Dunkirk small businessman Gary Glogas who plans to match that amount in making physical improvements to his business, Gary’s Car Wash, on South Main Street. Whetsel said that Glogas has already started working on some of those improvements and the loan payment details will be worked out later.

•Authorized leaf pickup dates of Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26, all Saturdays. Times will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A contract for the work, totaling $2,600 from last year’s provider, Ted Darr of Dunkirk, was unanimously approved by council members. Darr said he offered the city the same price as last year, despite increases in gasoline costs.

•Listened to water department superintendent Dace Mumbower caution council members that they will probably be receiving more complaints about rusty water conditions this week. Mumbower said that water lines are being connected and water hydrant flow tests are being taken in connection with the city’s new spec building on the northeast side of town. This will create rusty water conditions for awhile, he said. Also Mumbower added that his department planned to flush water hydrants during the first week in November. He advised that persons should be careful when doing laundry while this work is going on.

•Heard an update from Johnson about vandalism problems relating to letters being stolen from the Dunkirk City Park entranceway signs along Highland Avenue. Johnson said the reward had been increased from $100 to $200 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for the vandalism. Johnson added that the possibility of installing better lighting near the signs is also being investigated.

•Noted that state officials had announced the closing of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch in Dunkirk, effective at the end of the business day on Oct. 12. The mayor said, “We are very sorry to see it (the Dunkirk BMV branch) closing and the city will suffer an economic loss,” as the increased traffic relating to the branch benefits other businesses in the area and brings more people into Dunkirk. This sort of concern was reiterated in other small communities across the state where BMV officials had decided to close branches.

On a more positive note, Mayor Hubbard continued, “Hopefully, we can get another business into there shortly.” The license branch on South Main Street (Ind. 167) formerly housed the Indiana Glass outlet store for many years.[[In-content Ad]]