Council says thanks

DUNKIRK — Plaques were presented to the outgoing mayor and a council member at Monday’s Dunkirk City Council meeting.
Council member Tom Johnson presented plaques to Mayor Dan Watson and Judy Garr to thank them for their service the past four years.
“This is appreciation for everything both of you have done for this town over the many years of all the dedication and leadership,” Johnson told Watson and Garr.  
Watson lost his bid for a second term to Gene Ritter, and Garr chose not to run again.
“I would like to thank this administration. They’ve been great to work with. You guys have been above and beyond what was required of you. And thank J.T. (Phillips) for coming in and filling in,” Watson said.
He also thanked city attorney Bill Hinkle and Elijah Harvey, who came out of retirement at the request of Watson to serve as superintendent of the street department during his term, as well as all department heads and employees.
“I just want to thank you for the last four years,” Watson said.
“I just want to thank everybody, the citizens, giving me the opportunity to be on the council and I wasn’t gonna cry,” said Garr. “And working with Dan and the council, I appreciate it all, and J.T.”
Phillips has served as clerk-treasurer since Phonnie Kesler’s resignation this summer. That term is up Thursday, and a meeting for Democrat precinct committeemen will be held tonight to select a new clerk-treasurer.
“It’s been a pleasure,” Phillips told council and thanked Garr for all her help.
“I’d just like to say good luck to the new administration coming in and Gene you have a good group of guys to work with, and girls,” Garr said. “And if any way we can ever help, let us know.”
Sandy Bubp, chairperson for the state bicentennial committee in Jay County, also presented a framed proclamation declaring statehood day, the official kickoff of a year of celebration.
In other business, council members Lisa Street, Jesse Bivens, Jack Robbins, Johnson and Garr:
•Agreed to pay $1,973.21 and $582.34 to K & L Tractor Sales for mower repairs for Dunkirk Park Department and $375.61 to Menards for garage repairs.
•Heard the storm study for Layne Addition will be completed on Jan. 18.
•Table paying $20,710 and $21,870 to United Piping for work at the wastewater treatment plant until Bivens gets more information why the costs are so high.
•Agreed to pay $1,251.73 to Selking International for a tank for a truck at the Dunkirk Fire Department.
•Agreed to pay claims totaling $120,434.08.