By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whitewater City Manager Cameron Clapper, and any of his successors, will have greater flexibility in using municipal dollars in emergency situations, following a recent decision by officials.
The Common Council on April 21 heard a second reading, and made a final decision, on an ordinance provision that gives the city manager the authority to make purchases of up to $25,000 without obtaining authority from the elected body.
The goal of the ordinance has been aimed at streamlining spending processes at city hall and offering greater flexibility when unexpected situations arise and city staffers need to take quick, decisive action.
The dollar figure had previously been capped at $10,000.
In other recent business, the Common Council:
- Made a series of citizen appointments to boards, committees and commissions. The list of appointees includes Donna Henry and Laurence Kachel to the Community Development Authority; Suzanne Haselow, Richard Helmick and Kori Oberle to the Landmarks Commission; and Rachel DePorter and Bruce Parker Parks and Recreation Board.
Additional appointments include Harry Devitt, Tom Hinspater, Greg Mayer and Sherry Stanek to the Plan and Architectural Review Commission; Dennis Knopp joining the Police and Fire Commission; Karen McCulloch to the Urban Forestry Commission; and Michael Gray-Fow, James Stewart and Kristine Zaballos to the Ethics Committee;
- Authorized a request from city staff to purchase a new tractor and lawnmower from Whitewater-based Triebold Outdoor Power at a cost of $56,060. The equipment will be used to maintain city-owned land, and the funds will come out of a designated equipment replacement fund;
- Approved a request to rezone a residential property at 412 S. Janesville St. to a so-called residential overlay district classification. The change permits the property owner to have up to four unrelated persons residing at the home.
