On Oct. 13, the Bethel City Council said hello and goodbye to a number of new and old faces. Newly elected Rose “Sugar” Henderson joined for her first meeting, while council members thanked Hugh Dyment for his service since April. Mayor Perry Barr said that Dyment provided experience and a steady hand on the city council as it began to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
Council members decided to open up an application period for the seat that will open up when Cecilia "Cece" Franko leaves. Franko submitted her resignation, effective Oct. 31. The application period opens Oct. 20 and closes Nov. 4.
Acting City Manager Pete Williams was back in a familiar seat in council chambers, and the council thanked former Acting City Manager and former Fire Chief Bill Howell for his 27 years of service to the city. Howell retired in July.
After the introductions and goodbyes, the council directed Williams to sign a contract to conduct a wage study for city employees. The analysis will look at compensation in relation to Bethel’s cost of living. The study is part of an ongoing effort to increase retention of city employees.
Council member Haley Hanson also announced that the Planning Commission had approved the conditional use permit for the Bethel Winter House to use the old senior center in Housing Subdivision as a year-round homeless shelter.
