Smithville Municipal Judge Hilton Conger will serve for another two years.
The aldermen Monday night approved Conger’s reappointment during the city council meeting. City Attorney Vester Parsley, Jr. administered the oath of office to Conger during the meeting.
The City Judge, who was once elected by city voters to an eight year term, now serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, appointed to a two year term. His salary is $1,000 per month.
Conger was last elected as City Judge in 1998. He was named to his first appointed term in 2006 and he was re-appointed in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
After changes were made in the City Charter a few years ago, the City Court’s jurisdiction was reduced to mostly minor traffic offenses and city ordinance violations. The court now convenes usually once per month.
Conger’s new term runs through August 31, 2016.
In other business, Mayor Jimmy Poss made the following appointments to city boards and commissions which were approved by the aldermen:
Glen Nichols to the Smithville Planning Commission (6 year term) and to the Board of Zoning Appeals (3 year term)
Janie Knowles to the Board of Zoning Appeals (3 year term)
Wayne Hubbs to the Smithville Airport Advisory Board
Beecher Taylor to the Smithville Planning Commission (6 year term)
Mayor Poss then appointed the aldermen as commissioners over city departments:
Shawn Jacobs- Water and Sewer
Gayla Hendrix- Sanitation
Jason Murphy-Police and Fire
Josh Miller-Streets and Safety
Danny Washer-Finance and Taxation
Mayor Poss also named Alderman Jacobs as Vice Mayor. The aldermen approved the appointment.
Fire Chief Charlie Parker asked the aldermen to approve the addition of three new volunteer firefighters to the department. Chief Parker said Cody Fults, Bradley Johnson, and Dalton Roberts have all met the requirements to become members including successfully completing their 90 day probationary period. The aldermen approved the request.
Meanwhile bid opening for adding sewer to the recently annexed properties in the city is set for September 26 at 11:00 a.m. at city hall.
Mayor Poss announced that the new fuel farm project at the airport will most likely have to be rebid since all bids recently received were too high.
Alderman Danny Washer also praised city workers for the job they have done in cleaning up storm debris across town from downed trees and brush.