The City Council voted at their February meeting to approve the hiring of Jay Meashey as the new Main Street program director, filling the position which had been held by the former program director, Nancy McCormick, until she retired on September 4.

Mayor Bradley Wantz, who recommended hiring Meashey, told the board that applicant is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning at the Salisbury University, adding that the interview "went very well."

"He (Meashey) spoke of a lot of great ideas as it revolves around economic development," Mayor Wantz stated, adding, "I think with his personality, demeanor, and wealth of knowledge, along with his desire to learn more, he will be a tremendous asset to the city and would do very well working with our business-owners in bringing in more (business)."

He said the hiring would not be formally consummated until the candidate successfully passed a background check. The mayor stated, there being no issues stemming from the background check, Meashey would begin work on March 1.

Although Meashey’s salary was not noted during the meeting, the position was advertised as having a salary-range beginning at $44,970 and included a benefits package.

The city had a difficult time finding applicants for the position and had described the overall response to the first advertisement placed for the position as having been "unsuccessful." A second effort generated 20 applications by the time the application-submittal deadline of January 21 had been reached.

Town staff is continuing in its quest for a new planning and zoning director, a position which City Manager James Wieprecht had held while serving as an acting city manager.

Mayor Wantz stated, "Based on the resumes that we received, there was one potential for interview … unfortunately, he may be requesting more money than we’re willing to put into that position at this time."

In other business, the city Council approved four members nominated for the city Board of Elections: Judy Furbay (re-appointment}; Bill Kennedy (re-appointment); Sue Billings (new appointment); and Christopher Miller (new appointment).

Regarding the City Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Wantz noted at the council’s February work-session that staff had received the notice-of-resignation from board-member Gary Smith. As a result, the mayor will be nominating a replacement-for-consideration at a later date.