Town of Manderson seeks new town clerk

The Manderson Town Council meeting on Dec. 14 lasted 45 minutes.  The absence of a town clerk may have contributed to the shorter meeting. Former clerk Melissa Winkler resigned to get a better job, according to Councilman Tim Patrick. He went on to say he had seen some comments on social media about the clerk leaving.
“Well just so everybody in the community understands, the first clerk left us three months or four months ago. I don’t remember what it was. She resigned. The last clerk that left us, she found a better job. I’ve always said if you can better yourself, then more power to you. She did better herself. That was good. It wasn’t that it was anything with this group up here (referring to mayor and council) that we lost that last clerk. She found a better job.”
He said finding a person to work four hours a day for $16 an hour in Manderson is almost impossible. Councilwoman Julie Williams said most of the people who apply aren’t qualified. Patrick asked that people assist in the search for a new clerk with experience.
Mayor Rod Patrick and Councilwoman Judy Bury attended the meeting as well. Not in attendance were Councilman Troy Chambers, Chief Brandon Kidgel and Court Clerk Janet Reasoner.
Williams is handling a portion of the clerk’s duties. She added that Reasoner would be helping in the office part time.   
Councilman Patrick gave a maintenance report. He stated things were going well and they are getting “stuff” done. They will be changing the oil and filters in the town equipment the following week. Degreaser will be put in the septic tank and manholes that need it.
Officer Steve Coleman gave the police and court reports.
Councilman Patrick asked for those in attendance to “give a big hand” to the owner of the Hi Way Café & Bar, Varley Sanford. The café was planning to host a Christmas Day dinner that was open to everyone, with donations accepted.  
OTHER BUSINESS
• Dennis Chambers gave the joint powers water board report. The board is requesting a rate increase.  
• The mayor thanked Gail Patrick for decorating town hall for Christmas and the people that have put up decorations around town.
• Travis Study asked if the town has found out any additional information regarding a street. Mayor Patrick said the town can’t do anything about it at this time because there is no record of who owns it at the courthouse. Study also said the trash the town was supposed to pick up by his home is still there. The mayor said he was sorry and the town would take care of it.
• Sanford requested permission to set off fireworks New Year’s Eve and a 24-hour permit. The council approved both requests.
• A question was posed by several attendees about the gate at the boat dock. They were told this would be an agenda item at the January meeting.