TORONTO - John Hannan has been hired as the city's new service director, Mayor John Geddis announced during Monday's City Council meeting.
Geddis expressed confidence Hannan would be up to the job. The city had been without a director since the beginning of this year, when former director Larry Coppa resigned.
"We have a new service director, and he has more than 30 years of construction experience," Geddis told council. "One week on the job, and I think he's done a fine job."
Geddis said Hannan performed his duties admirably during his first week, which coincided with last week's annual city cleanup.
"(Hannan) was there, pitching in to help the (city) workers," Geddis continued, adding it was probably the most stressful time to begin the position. "I think we went through 17 boxes (during the cleanup)."
Geddis also said Hannan's family was involved in public service. He thanked Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla for loaning prisoners for the week, as well as the JB Green Team for its involvement.
"We collected about 1,100 tires," said 1st Ward Councilman Diane Julio, who also is involved with the JB Green team.
The mayor briefly discussed vacant houses owned by banks during the meeting, adding liens would be placed against any properties the city was forced to maintain. The mayor also asked residents to not sweep grass clippings into the street.
In other matters:
Council approved resolutions thanking several volunteer firefighters for their service to the city, including Mike Balogic with 36 years on the department; Jim Brown with 32 years of service; Keith Gooch with 29 years of service; Randy Henry for his 29 years of service; Dale Martin for 21 years of service; and Kevin Gillis for 21 years of service.
Fourth Ward Councilman John Watts, chairman of the recreation committee, announced the city's War Memorial Pool would open for the public May 26. Hours of operation will include conditioning and aerobics, all ages, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; adult swim only, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; open swim, 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday; open swim Monday, and Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m; and pool parties, which are scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pool party rental is $120, and shelter house rental is $100 per day. Daily admission is $3 for students and seniors; and $4 for adults. Season passes are $35 for a single senior; $50 for a senior couple; $70 for a two-person pass; and $100 for a family pass up to five family members, with an additional $25 per family member with a $200 limit.
The mayor also thanked the members of Boy Scout Troop 41 for attending Monday's meeting.
"These young men are the leaders of tomorrow," said Geddis.
Those troop members attending the meeting to earn a citizenship badge included Judge Hall, Nathan Keenan, Chase Cooper, Elvis Jordan and Dylan Coghe. The troop meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of every month. For information on joining, call (740) 537-4926.
There will be a meeting of the finance committee at 7 p.m. Monday, with a service committee meeting immediately to follow.
