Redkey changes job description

REDKEY — The job description of this town’s wastewater treatment plant operator was changed Monday while the operator is off work recuperating from recent surgery.
Redkey Town Council members voted 3-0 to add computer skills, the ability to lift manhole covers, and a variety of other activities such as mowing, tree trimming, and snow plowing to the current job description for wastewater plant operator Violet Erlenbush.
Erlenbush, who had surgery on Oct. 23, is expected to be released by her doctors to return to work on Dec. 4. Prior to her surgery, she had reportedly been under weight limits when lifting. Her computer skills have also been questioned.
“We’ve talked about this for awhile,” said council president Kyle Champ.
The new job description was prepared by council member David Dudleston, who has been critical of Erlenbush in the past.
“I’m not really happy about it,” he said of Erlenbush’s absence, noting that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management was informed before town officials were. “I thought it was very, very unprofessional.”
Dudleston, Champ, and council member Jon Davis complimented other town employees for stepping up during the certified operator’s absence. Council member Ted Friddle was absent Monday.
In other business, the council:
•Tabled action on hiring Modoc Town Marshal Donald Crabtree as Redkey’s third full-time police officer. The hiring was recommended by Redkey Town Marshal Tracy Layman. Dudleston complained that he had not had an opportunity to review the applicants.
“This is the best candidate for the job,” said Layman.
Crabtree is not a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, but Layman noted that none of the applicants for the position were graduates.
“I felt fine with the recommendation,” said Champ.
•Noted the need for a new fresh water pump for the water department and a new computer for the wastewater treatment plant.
•Learned that because of a water main break Main Street will be closed at least through today in the vicinity of Oak Street.
•Reviewed IDEM’s comments on a draft of a long-term control plan for combine sewer overflows. That plan will be the focus of a council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the meeting room at the former town hall.[[In-content Ad]]