Commissioners approve memorandum of understanding with union

by Angie Asam-Staff Writer

The Onaway City Commission approved a memorandum of understanding with the Teamsters union Nov. 17 that will keep the current Department of Public Works (DPW) foreman Clayton Dunn at his current level of pay. John Palmer will be taking over as DPW foreman Dec.1.

Dunn made the decision to step down as foreman and help to train Palmer. Dunn is nearing retirement and will continue working for the DPW until he chooses to retire but opted to step down as foreman to help get Palmer comfortable with the position.

Although he will no longer be serving as the foreman Dunn’s pay will not be affected. “In a way we are recognizing Clayton for all the years of service he has put in by continuing him at that rate of pay, it is only fair,” said commissioner Bernie Schmeltzer.

Palmer will receive a raise when he takes over as foreman Monday.

IN OTHER CITY COMMISSION NEWS:

• The commission entered into executive session to consider an offer from Chris Gaynor to sell the city some property at 20282 State Street. No decision was made on the offer but the matter was referred to city attorney Mike Vogler to research the ability to purchase real estate without paying back taxes before making a decision on the offer.

• A report from the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department (PICSD) was read into the record. In October 2014, the PICSD handled 50 complaints in Onaway, including two accidents, two assaults, two fraud, two alarms, three harassment, three breaking and entering, four larcenies, three criminal sexual conduct, and three noise. The department made five arrests and 17 traffic stops and spent 92 hours in the city between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• Mike Chimner was appointed to the Onaway board

of review to complete the term of Deb Artrip, whose resignation was accepted at the previous meeting.

• City manager Joe Hefele took the commission through the code of ordinances he drafted, which he believed could be adopted by ordinance next month. He also commented on the deadline to submit the information, formerly known as EVIP to the state and voiced his displeasure about this continued requirement. A motion was made by Jessie Horrocks, seconded by Ron Horrocks, that the manager send a letter to the state representative and senator representing Onaway, asking that this requirement be discontinued.

• City Hall will be closed Dec. 26 with the understanding that Hefele and city clerk Kelli Stockwell will use personal and vacation time to be off that day.