CAPTION: Hutchinson City Hall, located at 125 East Ave B. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE
By Kate Irelan
Mayor Greg Fast made proclamations and gave keys to the city to former interim city managers Gary Meagher and Mary Grace Clements at a regular Hutchinson City Council meeting Oct. 15, each receiving a standing ovation.
The first key presentation went to Meagher. Fast thanked him for his work with the city and the many ways he led by example. Meagher followed with a brief acceptance speech thanking the city for the opportunity to work and hire the right people.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of this,” said Meagher.
The second key presentation went to Mary Grace Clements. Fast thanked her for her friendship and a heartfelt recognition of her extraordinary service to the city. Clements gave a brief speech thanking the council for their trust and stating that the city is so lucky to have the employees they have. =
“I am inspired with the direction and having Enrico Villegas hired as the right person at the right time. The best is yet to come,” Clements said.
Other topics covered at the council meeting were:
- The Hutchinson City Council approved the issuance of general authorized bonds for bids for projects including improvements to 6th and Baker, the Hutchinson Zoo, Fun Valley, the Bad Bobby Trail, Plum Creek housing area
- Approved an updated 10-year urban area map determined by the U.S. Census
- An entertainment district proclamation for the rained-out Southwest Bricktown Fiesta to be moved to October 26 and in front of City Hall
- A public hearing date set for November 5 for a new taxi service in Hutchinson
- A proclamation for the 10th Annual Imagine a World Without Water National Day of Action
- A presentation of the city’s snow removal plan
At the end of the meeting, Vice Mayor Stacy Goss expressed to the council concerns that putting public comments at the end of the meeting was a good idea in theory, but the results showed a barrier to those who wanted to speak. After hearing all points of view, Fast agreed to place the public comments and proclamations at the beginning of the city council meeting.
The council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 125 East Avenue B. To access meeting agendas and minutes, visit the City of Hutchinson website, https://www.hutchgov.com/270/Agendas-Minutes
Meetings are streamed live as well as archived on the City of Hutchinson YouTube channel, they can also be viewed on Facebook Live and Cox Channel 7.
