NW Illinois News

Minutes of a November 21, 2016 Public Works and Buildings Special Meeting

Bill Stage called the meeting to Order at 6:30 p.m. and Roll was Called. Stage, Gene Behrens, Bryan Trotter, John Helms, Wayne Sprecher and Galen Wirth were all present.

Others Present: Jeff Hackbarth

The meeting was to decide on a new employee. Stage said they had interviewed 5 people and had one from the previous hiring phase that would like to be considered for the job. He said they had three outstanding options. Bill said he called the references and there were no great surprises as they all had good reviews. Stage did feel though that in the interviews there was one surprise and that was Mr. Shores. Trotter said Greg had recommended a candidate but Stage said he felt he wasn’t one of the top three this time. Helms said there was one candidate who doesn’t have his GED and Stage said we never put in the advertisement for a new employee that they needed it. Helms said if we went with that person he would like to ask if he would consider getting it. Stage said two people had their CDL’s and one has air brakes also. He feels that is a huge help as they will be starting work in December and we may need them for snow plowing. One applicant had neither. Bryan said he knows them and they all are hard workers but if it comes down to qualifications, Chris has the most. Gene asked Jeff if he knew that Chris would be a hard worker and if he could work with him. Jeff said he could and will work with any one they decide to hire. Helms said he has known Chris a long time and feels he has grown up a lot. He said he would just like him to have his GED so we know he’s trying. He said he knows Zack from the fire department and doesn’t know a lot about Cru. He said he would recommend we hire Chris Shores. Gene Behrens didn’t go into any specifics but did say he would recommend Chris also. Jeff was asked who he recommends and he said he will work with any of them. He said Zack has mechanical ability and he has seen Chris in action and he is a hard worker. He also said he doesn’t know Cru as well. He said if we get a snow anytime soon, Zack and Chris could both jump into trucks but he has no negatives on Cru. Wayne Sprecher Chris has his CDL and air brake license. He said he worked with many guys in the service who didn’t have their GED’s and they were great workers. He doesn’t feel that should be considered. Bryan said he knows Cru and he is a hard worker as well and willing to learn what he doesn’t know. He said Chris has grown up a lot from when he was younger and he has known Zack and feels Zack and Chris are both more qualified as they have the licenses they need. He feels it’s a toss-up between Chris and Zack. Galen said he thinks either Zack or Chris also. Stage said his only concern is if one can pass the water and sewer test before the other one. Helms and Behrens said you never know. Jeff said he feels if they pay attention in class and go to all of them that either can pass the water test easily. He said the sewer test is harder than water. Jeff said you have to be on the job for three years before you can test for sewer though. Bill tallied the vote and most people were leaning toward Chris. Stage agrees with them. He will offer the recommendation to the Board at the meeting at 7:30 p.m. He thanked everyone for their help in this hard decision. MOTION was made by Trotter, sec. by Helms to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. Approved Minutes Taken By Christine A. Ottens, Village Clerk