Council appoints new members

From left, Butch Washer and Dale Hammer get sworn in by Bill Ellenburg at the clerk of the court's office last week. Washer and Hammer were unanimously appointed to the Monterey Town Council, and will serve the remaining terms left open by the death of Bill Niswander last May, and Sam Shell, who resigned nearly two weeks ago. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) MONTEREY — Mayor Janice Warner last Thursday nominated Butch Washer and Dale Hammer to fill council seats vacated by the death of Bill Niswander in May and the resignation of Sam Shell last week.

Council appointed the two with little discussion.

"Sam Shell has given us his resignation," said Warner. "I ask for a motion to accept his resignation."

"I make a motion we accept," said councilman Don Dowdy. "He is not coming back. We have no choice."

Councilman Francis Fenn seconded the motion. Warner and councilmen Dowdy, Fenn and Ron Wimer voted to accept. Councilman Tony Stinnett was not present.

Warner then nominated Hammer and Washer.

"Dale was born in the town of Monterey," said Warner. "He's been here his entire life. His grandfather was fire chief. Betty, his mother, was a member of the fire department ladies' auxiliary. His dad was with the rescue squad. He would serve the council well.

"Butch has been here a number of years," she added. "He has been to council meetings here. He has things he has presented and seemed interested in our town.

"I feel we have a balance if we accept these two," she said. "Dale has been here his whole life, but Butch hasn't, he could bring something to council we don't know about."

"I will work with you people and see that things go the way they are supposed to," said Hammer.

"I'm interested in keeping the town up to date, while keeping it as a small entity," said Washer.

He moved to Monterey for its small-town atmosphere, he said.

Dowdy seconded the nomination and the council and mayor voted unanimously to appoint them.

At 11:30 a.m. Friday morning, assistant circuit court clerk Bill Ellenburg swore in the new councilmen. Their terms last until the May election.

According to the town charter, councilmen elected to office serve two years beginning Sept. 1 when they take the oath of office. Appointed councilmen serve until the end of the unexpired term, which for Hammer and Washer is Sept. 1, 2010.

Tonight (Thursday), council meets with Highland Medical Center board members to discuss HMC's acquisition of the town parking lot, Carver Meadow.