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FAIRMONT-- The Fairmont City Council on Monday, in a tie breaker vote, approved a motion to appoint Randy Lubenow to the open Ward 3 seat.
The seat was open following the resignation of Deb Foster. Foster vacated the seat on March 2 and the filing period was then open from March 3 to March 17. On the last day of the filing period, Lubenow and Terry Riggs both submitted applications.
On Monday City Administrator Cathy Reynolds said that the appointed individual will fill the role until the next general election in November of 2024. Reynolds said in the event that the council were unable to appoint someone, it would go to a special election.
Council Member Michele Miller thanked everyone who reached out to her via email, text message, phone call and in personal meetings to share their thoughts on the matter. She also thanked both Riggs and Lubenow for filing for the position.
Council member Britney Kawecki made a motion to appoint Lubenow to the Ward 3 seat. Council Member Jay Maynard seconded it.
"This is probably the most difficult decision I've made in at least 30 years, on or off council," said Maynard.
He went on to say that he's heard support for both candidates from a number of people and noted that the community is "passionate" about the matter.
"And for good reason. It in many ways will affect how the city operates for at least the next two years," Maynard said.
He also brought up what he called "the elephant in the room"--the proposed community center project. Maynard said that everyone was aware of Lubenow's position on it and that Riggs has been open about her opposition to it.
Maynard said he had major concerns about the council returning to the attitude and division that took place from 2018 to 20202.
"We have made great strides just since the first of this year in working more collaboratively, more calmly, less personally and concentrating on solving the city's problems rather than scoring points against each other in discussion," Maynard said.
Ultimately, Maynard said he could not ignore the thoughts of both individuals on the proposed community center project and said that for that reason, "however reluctantly," he was voting to appoint Lubenow to the open seat.
In a roll call vote, Maynard and Kawecki voted yes and Miller and Council member Wayne Hasek voted no. In the instance of a tie, the mayor must cast a vote and Mayor Lee Baarts voted to appoint Lubenow. The motion passed 3-2.
Lubenow will take the seat at the April 10 meeting.
In other business during Monday's meeting, Kawecki said she felt that the city should be focused on hiring a new owner's representative for the city on the proposed community center project.
Previously, the city had been working with Tegra as its owner's representative but Tegra pulled out of its contract earlier this year. Kawecki questioned when the city would be advertising for a new owner's representative.
"At this point in time, I have not put together an RFP (Request for Proposal) for an owner's rep. If council wishes for us to do that, I would ask what your priority is. Do you want me working on operating terms or an RFP for an owner's rep?" Reynolds said.
She added that owner's representative services are within the role of what the construction manager does. Currently the city has Kraus-Anderson slated as the construction company on the project.
"So the construction manager is aware of the bonding, new market tax credit and all of that?" Kawecki asked.
Reynolds said they are aware of it and that the city is working with them on it.
Kawecki said the whole point of having an owner's representative is having someone to oversee the entire project. She said that the Community Center Advisory Board has stated the importance of having an owner's representative, as has the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation.
"I'm confused as to why we're delaying it when all of the key players have stated that it's an important part that's needed," Kawecki said.
Miller asked for clarification on whether the project is being held up by not having an owner's representative.
"The project is moving forward. We have not stopped or slowed down the project in any shape or form with or without the owner's rep," said Reynolds.
However, she added that preparing and posting an RFP for an owner's rep would slow down her work.
Reynolds said she didn't have any problems with looking for an owner's representative, but that there is another community center joint work session scheduled for April 18 and the topic is on operating agreements. She said her priority right now is on pulling information together for that.
"If we want to do an owner's rep, that will take time.. which way do you want me to prioritize time on the project?" Reynolds asked.
Kawecki said she would like to table the conversation for the April 10 council meeting.
During staff reports, Reynolds shared that last week she was up at the Capitol and testified during the house committee for the state bonding bill and that this week she will go up and testify on the senate side for local option sales tax. Both are in an effort to secure additional funding the the proposed community center project.
In other news, the council:
-- Recognized Finance Director, Paul Hoye, for 15 years of service to the city and Karla Sauck, liquor store employee, for 10 years of service to the city.
-- Approved an event permit for the Fairmont Lions Club fly-in breakfast for June 25.
-- Authorized the purchase of a truck, in an amount not to exceed $45,000, for the street department.
-- Authorized the purchase of a used stump grinder for the street department.