As the Hamilton City Council made their way through agenda items Wednesday, June 15, 2023 (regular meeting rescheduled from June 8, 2023 due to lack of quorum), they received and accepted the resignation of Mayor Donnie Derryberry. Derryberry cited growing commitments and family health as his reasoning for stepping away from the role.
Due to disinterest in serving as mayor, councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck stepped down from his position as council president. Councilman Dave Harris then assumed the position of council president which in turn placed him in the position of mayor for the remaining 6 months of the term.
Following preliminary items, including approval of the bills and minutes as well as the library report and discussion of the scheduled CPR class, officials spoke with community member Rodney Dimick who was contacted in regards to the council seat left vacant following the resignation of former member Randy Smith. After expressing willingness to fill the remainder of the vacant term (two years), members of the council approved for Dimick to fill the vacancy. Dimick was sworn in for service and took his seat among the council. Following the June 15, 2023 meeting, one seat among the council remained open.
Meetings of the Hamilton City Council are now being held the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. The decision to change the meeting schedule came following discussion of scheduling conflicts.
Raising the charge for mowing properties found in violation of city code was brought to the floor for discussion. After noting wear/ potential damage to city equipment and time invested by city staff addressing property conditions, the concept of raising the rate to encourage people to mow was noted. Members of the council voted to approve moving the rate to $150 per lot for properties in violation of the grass ordinance.
A complete article can be found in the June 21, 2023 issue of The Eureka Herald, which is available for purchase at The Eureka Herald.
