By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
John Summers has been appointed to Decatur’s redevelopment commission by Mayor Dan Rickord.
The mayor announced the appointment at the Nov. 21 meeting of city council.
Summers (photo), who heads the city’s reserve police force, replaces Max Miller on the commission. The mayor said Miller asked to be replaced.
Receiving new one-year council re-appointments as members of the commission were Craig Russert and Jason Bird.
Other members are Ron Storey, president, and Jeremy Friedt. Tim Ehlerding is a non-voting member, appointed by the North Adams School Board.
City Clerk-Treasurer Phyllis Whitright serves as treasurer and Barb Engle is recording secretary for the commission.
Also at the Nov. 21 meeting:
* The city approved renewing its animal control agreement with the county at a cost of $10,200 per year.
* Three-year farm leases were approved with Craig and Mindy Fruechte and with Workinger Farms. The latter outbid Jacob Campbell for 45.6 acres of land on CR 600N while the Fruechtes won the lease for 27.65 acres on CR 450N in spirited bidding with Marco Development Corp.
The Fruechtes are paying $360 per acre, or $9,954 per year, while Workinger is paying $165 an acre or $7,584 a year.
* Mayor Dan Rickord said the annual community tree lighting event “was the biggest I have ever seen.”
* Councilman Matt Dyer offered praise for incoming council member Jenny Bowers-Schultz (photo) “who has attended every meeting (of the board of works and city council), wanting to learn.”
She has rarely missed a meeting since announcing her candidacy early last year.
“I’m excited to get started,” Bowers-Schutz said.
