RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL

Riverside's city administrator search is down to three finalists

By Paul D. Bowker
Posted 3/24/23

RIVERSIDE

Riverside’s search for a new city administrator is down to three.

But their identities remain a mystery.

The names of the finalists were not disclosed during a City Council …

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RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL

Riverside's city administrator search is down to three finalists

Posted

RIVERSIDE

Riverside’s search for a new city administrator is down to three.

But their identities remain a mystery.

The names of the finalists were not disclosed during a City Council discussion at its meeting Monday night. Asked by The News, Mayor Allen Schneider declined to identify the three finalists.

However, all three finalists were on public display Friday night at a reception at Copper Creek Ridge in Riverside.

A new city administrator could be selected as soon as Saturday, following a series of interviewing sessions that will include City Council members and also pre-selected community members and business owners.

Once a selection is made during closed session in conjunction with lead consultant Brent Hinson, Schneider told The News, work will begin immediately on making an offer to the winning candidate.

The salary is expected to fall between $85,000 and $95,000, per a previous Council decision. Former City Administrator Christine Yancey earned an annual salary of $77,250.

The target date for the arrival of the new city administrator is May 1.

Search for Kirk

Where will the birthplace monument of Star Trek Captain (and Admiral) James T. Kirk actually wind up?

That is still a question for the City Council as Brian Boelk of Axiom Consulting continues designs for a show area that will be handicap accessible. The birthplace is now located on the south side of city offices, but discussion at Monday’s meeting included talk of moving the birthplace to Railroad Park, where a Kirk statue is now located, or to another area downtown along Highway 22.

“I think it’s in an odd spot,” Council Person Edgar McGuire said of the current location.

Council Person Tom Sexton suggested locating it in a city-owned area next to Murphy’s Bar & Grill in downtown Riverside.

“That’s a great idea,” McGuire said.

The Railroad Park location would put it near the statue and just across the street from the Voyage Home Museum.

Dog Talk

Following up on a long discussion held at the March 6 City Council meeting about a pit bull terrier living at a residence on Schnoebelen Street and described by some as dangerous, Schneider visited the home and said the dog “did not seem vicious” and actually tried to lick his hand.

The dog’s owner was verbally warned by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department following a previous complaint. The dog has a current rabies vaccination, according to the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic.

“I’m done talking and fighting about it,” said Council Person Kevin Mills, who previously brought the matter to the Council’s attention. “Hopefully, something comes of it.”

“I don’t want to see anything bad happen,” said McGuire, who has suggested the sheriff’s department be contact with complaints. “I think everybody wants to do the right thing.”

Council Action

The Council approved a go-ahead for Axiom Consulting to begin the design process on structural improvements and construction at the city’s water plant. The project may also include machinery replacement approaching $200,000-$300,000.

The Council set April 3 as the date for a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 city budget.

The Council approved an FY24 contract with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for a cost of $220,401.

The Council approved a 28e agreement with Iowa Township, in which the township requests fire protection provided by the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department.

The Council approved partial retainage to Streb Construction in the amount of $116,281.91 for work done on the Third Street water and sewer main project.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. April 3. A work session was scheduled for March 29.

Riverside City Council, City Administrator