Francesville hires new laborer

A familiar face will be working for the Town of Francesville, after the town council approved hiring a new laborer on Aug. 3.

The council interviewed two applicants on July 29.

President Andy Durham questioned the council as to what direction they would like to take — if they would like to hire someone or accept more interviews.

Councilwoman Pamela Antrim said she would like to move forward so they can begin working. Councilman Kyle Trent agreed.

Durham suggested hiring Walter Craig because of his previous experience with the town. Craig was a former town street superintendent. He said it’s a tough decision because both applicants would be good employees.

Antrim agreed with the suggestion. “He knows everything. He knows the town,” she said.

The motion to rehire Craig was approved but not without opposition from Trent.

When deciding how much his wages should be, Durham said Craig’s experience should be taken into consideration. Trent said they will have to take into consideration how much is currently in the budget. No decisions were made regarding his salary.

On Aug. 6, clerk-treasurer Linda Bennett said Craig did accept the salary offered to him.

Currently, Brad Stevens is the interim street superintendent.

In other business:

• Minutes from the July 20 meeting were approved.

• Doug Lee, the new town marshal, was welcomed by the council at the meeting. Lee asked a variety of questions including what the town would require for uniforms and if the town is willing to buy a video camera that is required for interviews. He also asked what schedule the council is expecting from him. He will also need a bulletproof vest.

• Town employee Brad Stevens was appointed to the board of zoning appeals as a representative within the town limits.

• Claims were approved.