Montgomery council appoints Bohnsack as interim city administrator

The City of Montgomery did not waste any time in bringing someone on board to oversee operations following the departure of former City Administrator Steve Helget.
 
Helget’s last day in the office was Friday, Aug. 16, and near the beginning of the Montgomery City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 19, a interim administrator was appointed to fill the gap.
 
A contract between the city and Placid Lake Advisors, Inc. (Jerry Bohnsack) was approved by unanimous vote.
Bohnsack served as city administrator at New Prague for 33 years before retiring and moving to Deerwood, near Brainerd. He formed a corporation (Placid Lake Advisors) and now does interim or special project work for communities needing assistance.
 
Helget said prior to his departure that Bohnsack was interested and would be a good fit for Montgomery.  “He is familiar with the community and area, and knows people here,” said Helget.
City Attorney Tim Warnemunde reviewed the contract, and said it was a standard document, which Bohnsack approved.
 
Under terms of the contract, Bohnsack will be compensated at the rate of $60 per hour of service, with a maximum of 40 hours per week, until the city fills the position with a permanent administrator. He will not be eligible for benefits, and his work schedule will more than likely be two days per week, and as needed for special projects.
 
Bohnsack was introduced to the council and others present Monday night. 
“It’s a pleasure to be here, and I look forward to working with you,” he commented.
 
The council also:
• Cancelled the first meeting in September because of the Labor Day holiday, and scheduled a 2014 special workshop meeting for Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. The next regular council meeting is Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
 
• Accepted a proposal from  the Municipal Development Group (MDG), a planning consultant firm out of the New Prague area, to assist in the preparation of an updated comprehensive plan,  and directed the administrator and attorney to negotiate a contract. 
 
• Received a report from Chris Cavett of SEH on the construction area and improvements planned with the proposed Fifth St. (CSAH 3) street and utility improvement project. The council approved SEH’s engineering proposal and feasibility study preparation. 
 
Since Fifth St. is a county road, the county will contract directly with SEH for the project and invoice the city for its portion of the engineering service fees. 
 
Assessments
In accordance with the city’s special assessment policy, the cost for portions of the project (estimated at $5 to 6 million) will be assessed to benefitting properties. 
 
The Fifth St. improvement project includes the following streets: Fifth St. from TH 21 to Mill Ave.; Fifth St. from Mill to Hickory Ave.; Oak Ave. from Fifth St. to dead-end; Elm Ave. from Fifth St. to dead-end; Sixth St. from Oak Ave. to Elm Ave.; Ash Ave. from Fifth St. to dead-end; related drainage improvements. 

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.