Town of Stevensville works through administration changes
by John Dowd
Last Thursday, the Stevensville Town Council met to decide the course of action they would take to elect a new town mayor, as current mayor Steve Gibson gets ready to step down. Several weeks ago, Gibson decided to retire from the position for health reasons just two years into his four year term. The council had two options, either to accept applications or to appoint Town Council President Bob Michalson to the position.
After a close vote, the council decided to choose the route of applications. Michalson abstained from the vote, council member Stacie Barker voted no to taking applications, council member Cindy Brown voted for the application process after some time deliberating and council member Nancy Lowell voted in favor of the application process. Lowell put forth the motion to take applications, saying that the council needs to make the decision to take applications because, “we owe this to our constituents.”
With the decision made, the town will be opening the position up to applications. There are several requirements for those who wish to apply, and interested parties should contact the town clerk for a comprehensive list. Once applications have been vetted, the council will hold a special meeting on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., which will also be Gibson’s last day as mayor. The council will then interview applicants. According to Gibson, the process will stick strictly to the law and all steps will be taken to ensure a seamless transition.
For the next two weeks, the town will post information in the Bitterroot Star about how to apply, prior to the special meeting. Applications can be found on the Town website or by contacting the town clerk. The town will take applications until noon on Nov. 27.
Another big change for Stevensville addressed during the meeting was the appointment of a new Public Works Director. Formerly filled by Steve Kruse, who will be retiring, the position will now be filled by Stephen Lassiter, the previous Parks and Recreation Director.
Lassiter starts Nov. 20 and will need to obtain several certifications for the position, including drinking water, water quality and wastewater certifications. Lassiter said this is his top priority, and as soon as these classes open up he will be working towards them.
Kruse’s last day will be the 17th, but Lassiter was happy to say that his predecessor will still be around to provide support. “It’s not like he’s leaving the country. He’s still here,” said Lassiter. With weekly and monthly reports required to be given to the state and federal government, and daily checks on things like the water system, there are numerous reports that constantly need to be submitted. With all these things, Lassiter expressed that in spite of all that, with Kruse helping out with the turnover, “we have such a tight team that this should be an almost seamless change.”
Lassiter said he brings with him “communication skills, personability and I can talk to people with different viewpoints and make compromises and work through things.” Lassiter said he is humbled to have been selected for the position. “First off, I’m very thankful for the trust that the town is putting in me, and I intend to live up to it.”