Van Ostran becomes new alderman in Witt’s April 24 meeting

WITT (Heartland Newsfeed) — The suspense surrounding who would replace Jay Martin as Ward 3 alderman came to an end during the April 24 meeting of the Witt City Council. Martin resigned during the council’s monthly meeting in March, with the announcement that he was chosen by the Montgomery County Republican Party to become interim treasurer until the end of the current term following the death of Ron Jenkins. Representatives from Envision Witt awarded the April Speedboy Hometown Spirit Award to Hope Speiser for her accomplishments in swimming to kick off public comments. Sue Lessman spoke to the council regarding several derelict properties near her residence, in which Mayor Greta Akers noted and assured that the properties are in the process of being cleaned up. City employee Gary Richardson addressed the council regarding his displeasure that none of the employees received their Christmas bonuses last year and asked that the council would reconsider their prior decision, adding that the employees work hard for the city and that the bonus shows support for them. A special meeting to review the employee handbook and discuss ideas for projects utilizing grant monies from Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation was slated for May 10, but has since become tabled and rescheduled for another date. A supplemental resolution for street and highway maintenance, a motion to purchase a new mower from Nail Equipment in Litchfield and a request for takedown and cleaning up of a tree by Hal Joyce were approved. James Van Ostran was announced as the new appointment to fill the vacancy in Ward 3 created by Martin. In other business:

• A motion to take two pumps to Litchfield Pump and Motor for evaluation and potential repairs.
• An update was given regarding the progress on the Union Pacific crossing gate project.
• A motion to deposit excess funds between the water/sewer and general funds.
• Minutes from the March meeting and the treasurer’s report was approved.
• A motion to pay the bills was approved.
• The police report submitted by Scott Woods and fire department report submitted by Don Keiser were approved.

A motion was made at 8:15 p.m. to enter executive session to discuss employee recognition, but nothing was revealed as to what the discussion involved in the eight-minute session, which concluded at 8:23 p.m. before adjourning from their meeting at 8:25 p.m.