(L-R Mayor Gary Moore presenting Retiring Police Chief Keith Colclasure with a plaque of appreciation for his service to the city)
The Fairfield City Council met for their monthly meeting last (Tuesday) night at Fairfield City Hall. The council approved the sale of property at 303 Northeast 7th Street for $4,500 submitted by Kyle Dagg. Mayor Gary Moore recommended accepting the single bid, citing ongoing maintenance and tax costs as reasons to move forward. The council approved the single bid offer.
A new labor agreement with IBEW Local 702 was approved, providing a 4.5% raise over a three-year term. The council also extended equivalent benefits to non-union employees, including staff in various departments in City Hall along with the Fire Department and Airport.
Two resolutions for business district agreements were also approved. 6-Juan-8 Bakery received approval for a $10,000 reimbursement toward their $75,000 renovation project. Wayne White Electric Cooperative was similarly granted up to $10,000 to support a $29,000 improvement involving the replacement of their main entry door. Mayor Moore stated that Kemper CPA has spent a week here in Fairfield with City Hall officlals as they begin their audit of the city.
The council approved the appointments of Andrew Miller as the Fairfield City Fire Chief and Wade Gregory as Assistant Fire Chief. Longtime Fairfield Police Chief, Keith Colclasure announced his retirement after 26 years of service. Mayor Moore read a letter to the crowd submitted by Colclasure announcing his retirement, with many of his family members in attendance. Colclasure served the department from May, 1999 til Tuesday working as a Patrolman, became a Sergeant, Detective and Assistant Chief. Moore noted that Colclasure scored the highest grade on the Sergeant’s test and that score still remains in existence today. Colclasure addressed the crowd and was then presented a plaque by Fairfield Mayor, Gary Moore. He was immediately appointed to a newly created Public Safety Ordinance Enforcement Officer position, where he will assist the Police Department with ordinance enforcement, evidence handling, and FOIA responsibilities at a rate of $27 per hour. Current Assistant Police Chief, Ben Lewis was appointed Chief of Police by the Mayor with his salary adjusted to match the outgoing chief’s rate. The Mayor stated Lewis served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Police Department and has been instrumental in what has happened at the Police Department alongside with Colclasure. These leadership changes passed unanimously.
The council approved a request to close Leroy Street between the tennis courts on June 21st and 22nd for an upcoming pickleball tournament. Additionally, the city pledged $7,000 from the recreation fund to assist with $70,000 in needed repairs to the Fairfield Public Golf Course greens, which suffered damage over the winter.
The financial report for May showed total expenses of $1,718,791 against revenues of $1,615,489, resulting in a net loss of $103,302. Payroll totaled $572,955, while the city collected $16,073 from gaming and $146,874 from sales tax. The general fund balance at the end of the month of May stood at $2,176,261.
Council members also addressed concerns about loose dogs in the community, advising residents to report incidents to the Wayne County Humane Society or the Fairfield Police Department. Further discussions on animal control will be considered in future meetings.
The meeting concluded with an executive session to review closed meeting minutes and discuss personnel matters. The next City Council meeting will be July 8th at Fairfield City Hall.
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