MOUNT GILEAD — Village Council Monday night began the process of finding a replacement for retiring Police Chief Brian Zerman.

Zerman will retire Jan. 29, with Capt. Kenny Underwood serving as acting police chief until his upcoming retirement.

The position, with council’s approval, will become a salaried one with an annual pay range of $57,000-$62,000, Mayor Jamie Brucker said.

The job is being posted internally first. Requirements include five years minimum in law enforcement and one year supervisory experience.

Council also approved the hiring of three police officers, pending background checks, to keep the department adequately staffed.

In other business:

• Fire Chief Chad Swank reported a busy weekend with two working fires and a semi crash on South Main Street.

“Everyone came together to handle the situation,” he said.

Brucker said hazardous fluids that were spilled as a result of the crash were quickly contained by first responders.

• Pillar Credit Union obtained a permit for building construction at 869 Meadow Drive. Current structure will be razed and a new building constructed.

• The village received the new loader that was authorized for this year. A 2021 Gehl loader was bought through state bid at a net cost of $39,900 after trade-in for the 2005 loader.

• Two pick-up trucks, one for water and one for wastewater, were ordered. Delivery is expected in March.

• The village received confirmation of the $50,000 grant from the DKMM Solid Waste District for the recycling wheeled tipper carts. Estimated cost is $65,000, with council approving the purchase.

• North Bay completed work on the aerator at the wastewater treatment plant. Bushings and bearings were replaced. One motor was sent off for inspection and possible rebuild.

By Anthony Conchel

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