Lamar Council Outlines Administrator Search

The Lamar City Council hopes to have a new, full-time administer hired by no later than August 27 of this year. With that deadline in mind, the council will discuss the timeline required for that result during this evening’s council work session, beginning at 6pm. Once advertisements for a new administrator have been set out, the council hopes to have the semi-finalists determined by June 8. From that point, phone interviews will be conducted, followed by in-person interviews, leading to a final selection and offer. The work session will also review a resolution of support from the council, for the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic bond issue. A hospital district vote has been set for May 8, and the council has been asked for a measure of support for the $5 million bond. The work session will begin at 6pm, followed by the regular session.

Some items on tonight’s agenda includes adopting a proclamation declaring April 19 as Arbor Day and April 14-21 as Arbor Week. The Lamar Tree Board will also announce related activities in the community for the month, as well as appointments to the board. Debra Reynolds, Lamar Librarian will also present a proclamation for the council highlighting National Library Week, observed April 8-14. An appointment to the Community Resource and Senior Center Advisory Board for a five year term is also on the agenda.
Several public hearings will be scheduled by the council, one for the Lamar Eagles Lodge and another for the Buzzard’s Roost. The Eagles are asking for a modification of premises to conduct an outdoor event in their backyard. The Buzzard’s Roost is requesting a hearing on their applications for a ‘Country Jam’ concert, June 23 and 24, and a ‘Road Jam’ concert for September 15 and 16.

Lamar Police Chief Gary McCrea will present the 9th Citizen’s Police Academy class who recently completed their 12 week training period, as well as those who finished with 100% attendance. New classes are set for applicants in early May. Interim City Administrator Steven Rabe will update the council on an energy feasibility analysis to be performed on the city-owned facilities, including water infrastructure and waste-water facililties. The council will review a city-wide, task-list progress report on various projects that had been set in motion with former administrator Bill Pfeilsticker. The council will also review construction projects at the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn, with financial assistance from the Urban Renwal Authority.
by Russ Baldwin