Disparate wages an issue in Tamaroa

Following executive session, Trustee Bill Place made a motion to give employee Brent Fisher a $.50 per hour raise, retroactive to May and additional $.50 per hour raises in September and December. Fisher currently makes $13.50 per hour. The motion was seconded. Then Fisher questioned the board on why he still made less than other employees.

Supervisor Chuck Zoeckler makes $16 per hour and employee Darryl Wright makes $18 per hour.

Zoeckler was given a $1 per hour raise in October when he was promoted to supervisor, following a physical altercation between Wright and Fisher, both of whom were suspended for five days without pay.

Members of the board explained that Zoeckler is the supervisor and Wright has around 20 years experience.

Place then rescinded his motion and moved to re-enter executive session. Fisher was called into the session.

The board then returned to open session. Place again made the motion for a $.50 per hour raise retroactive to May and additional $.50 per hour raises in September and December. The motion passed.

Mayor Curtis Stube stated that outbursts during meetings can be considered insubordination by employees and disciplinary action could follow.

In other business, the board:

• approved spending $40,195 to oil and chip roads this summer. No oil and chip work was done last year. Place said the roads are in terrible condition. Most of the repairs will be done at intersections. The board approved spending $25,000 in motor fuel tax funds and the remaining $15,195 from the general fund.

• chose Campanella and Campanella as the new legal representation for Tamaroa.

• agreed to a two-year contract with PDC Laboratories for mandatory water testing at a cost of $940 per year.

• discussed issues at the Community Center. Two bids for a new roof on the pavilion were received. Village employees were asked to look at the pavilion roof to determine if they could repair it. Place said he will contact AccuCoat about paint peeling from the building. The paint/sealant applied last year is under warranty. Place will also make sure the gutters are property connected.

• discussed a dead tree on city property which is becoming a danger. The board stressed that they are not in the tree-trimming business. However, Trustee Betty Roberts said she would solicit bids for removing the tree.

• told Byron Stricker that the written agreement allowing the village to fill in the pond on Mike Frost's property still has not been signed. The board told the Campanellas that the pond, the deteriorating former lumber company building on Main Street and any paperwork resulting from a broken ankle a spectator suffered at the ball fields will be headed their way.

• discussed the upcoming tractor pull set for Sunday, June 15. The board agreed not to cancel the event unless absolutely necessary. Village employees were asked to rope off the ball fields to protect them. Parking will be redirected to the other side of the building.