Jim Woolford officially named to succeed Bob Karls as city administrator
It's official, at least the part I knowing who will be taking over as city administrator for the City of Pontiac. Current Pontiac Police Chief Jim Woolford will be succeeding Bob Karls later this summer.
This was announced at Monday's Pontiac City Council meeting at the Eagle Theater as part of the second regular meeting of the month.
Mayor Bill Alvey announced that the search has been completed and that Woolford will take over for Karls after a transitioning period. Aug. 1 is the date when Karls said he will officially tender his resignation. This is a meeting date for the council and the board will be able to accept the resignation that will allow Woolford to step in.
Woolford has been learning what his responsibilities will be by shadowing Karls, and will continue to do so over the next 2½ months.
With Woolford taking over for Karls, who is the only city administrator the city has had, there will be a need to fill at least one position at the police department as Woolford will need to be leaving his position as chief.
In other business, the council voted 5-3 to allow for a variance for Roger Carls and his request regarding a driveway at 717 W. North St. Those voting for the variance were Frank Giovanini, Kelly Eckhoff, Bill Kallas, Jason Lee and John Wille. Those voting against were Brian Gabor, Mike Barr and Jayme Bradshaw. Don Hicks and Curt Myers were absent from the meeting.
The council voted 7-2 to allow a set of variances for the Livingston County Highway Department. The county is looking to expand its facility at 1705 S. Manlove St. Gabor was the lone nay vote.
Jake Kinkade asked the council to accept a bid for work on the North Sewer Separation Project. The bid was for $796,242.75 for Opperman Construction. There were three bids with HJ Eppel & Company ($892,622.50) and Tobey's Construction ($1,433,603) also providing bids.
Pontiac Fire Chief Jake Campbell had his request for the purchase of four IV pumps and three ventilators for the ambulance service approved. The total cost was listed at $24,573.35. Campbell said that the IV pumps are required equipment and that the ventilators will allow the service to get to a higher level of service.
Street Department Superintendent Chris Brock asked for the letting of bids for two 2-story houses that need to be razed. He said the job is more than what his crew is able to do safely. This was approved.
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Jim Woolford officially named to succeed Bob Karls as administrator
