by Michael Howell –
Hamilton City Attorney Ken Bell, 66, is ready to ease out of his position as city attorney. Bell plans to continue working part time for the city for a few months as a new attorney is recruited and gets his or her feet on the ground.
“When I started as City Attorney in 2002 or 2003, I planned on working only about five years,” said Bell. “Now it’s been nine and I’m a little tired of working.” He said he plans to continue in private practice, but at a more relaxed pace.
The City has advertised for a replacement. Bell may continue part time until the new attorney is hired. Some minor changes were made to the job description of the Hamilton City Attorney in order to clarify that the city attorney is supervisor of all the employees in his office, not just the one administrative employee. The council also approved an annual salary range for the job at $55,000 to $60,000.
In other news, the Council approved a fireworks display at Hamilton High School. The fireworks display is a fundraiser for the Speech and Drama teams.
The Council also reappointed Warren Neyenhuis as a trustee on the Bitterroot Public Library Board.