By Jean Ruzicka
jruzicka@parkrapidsenterprise.com
Nevis is facing a political anomaly.
For the first time in decades, no one has filed to take ownership of the mayor’s gavel.
At this week’s council meeting, outgoing Nevis mayor Paul Schroeder made a plea for write-in candidates to step forward before the November elections.
Also, no one has filed for the second council seat. Incumbent Rich Johnson, who was appointed to the council, will be on the ballot for one of the positions.
“We’d like someone in the community to help out,” Schroeder said of write-in votes. “We want to see the community progress.”
In the past couple of decades, Nevis’ mayoral position has been hotly contended in a few instances.
Former mayor Jim Hukki recalls being recruited by his predecessors, Herb Wolff (his brother-in-law) and Enno Cirks. He’d recently retired from his role as a college professor and moved to Nevis. Hukki assumed office in 1991, serving three two-year terms.
Ray Melander claimed victory over Hukki in the 1996 elections, serving two terms until Phil Harris unseated him by an 18-vote margin in 2000.
Two years of political skirmishes ensued, with closed meetings called by Harris on a regular basis to discuss employee issues and other topics.
The council subsequently ended up in court after trying to remove Harris from his role as mayor. Harris had extended his middle finger to police chief Bob Potter during a somewhat confrontational discussion. The council determined the vice mayor would preside over meetings.
Harris sought a legal opinion with a judge ruling, in spite of insufficient documents filed, that the council had no jurisdictional authority to make this unilateral move. Harris moved back to the role of mayor.
Meanwhile, Harris had filed suits against the city administrator and deputy clerk, Maureen Cirks and Carol Fridgen, respectively, four council members and the city attorney. The suits were dismissed, without disbursements.
When the 2002 election season arrived, four contenders ran for mayor - Bud Kelsey, Al Huesman, Bob Wambolt and Melander, who was re-elected.
In the 2006 mayoral election, Melander was ousted by six votes. But the candidate, Elizabeth Foderick, had moved out of the city. She stated she would not be running, but her name appeared on the ballot. She’d not formally withdrawn from the race.
Legal advice was sought, Melander relinquishing his title – initially. But by November’s end, Foderick withdrew after confirming she’d voted in Sartell. By filing an affidavit of residence in another city she did not comply with candidacy requirements.
Melander, who’d served four nonconsecutive terms, once again took the helm in 2007.
Dave McCurnin succeeded Melander, recruiting Schroeder to run when he stepped down due to health concerns.
Through the years, the mayors have left some indelible legacies. Hukki and cohort Ted LaLonde orchestrated the city’s wastewater treatment system construction, meeting some contention from citizens in the process.
Melander’s remodeling of the building to become the current city hall rankled some tail feathers. He was accused of making unilateral spending decisions, which were subsequently dismissed.
And McCurnin transforms the city into Nevis Downs each summer, the pig races drawing hundreds.
Schroeder, who’s served two terms, is now looking for a successor. He’s indicated the city is in sound fiscal shape, with no major projects or problems on the horizon. “I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “And I’ve learned a lot.”
In other action at this week’s meeting, the council:
n Met the city’s new attorney, Steve Peloquin, and attorney Maria Pretzer .
Peloquin stated his firm has a broad range of experience – from nuisance property to criminal prosecution. “We look forward to working with you.”
n Approved the use of $7,500 in firepersons gaming funds for the purchase of 12 pairs of boots for firefighters.
n A total of $3,000 was approved for tires for the brush rig and for 70 red fire hydrant flags. The flags define hydrants’ locations after a snowfall and/or plowing.
Fire chief Kerry Swenson will apply for a grant to purchase a new compressor for air bottles and gear for six people.
Swenson told the council he will be “out of commission for a few months” due to a medical condition and asked that a portion of his salary go to the two assistant chiefs.
“You’re a class act,” Schroeder told him. “But this doesn’t surprise me.”
n Approved the addition of two new fire department members, Dalton Plautz and Spencer Stack.
n Heard from Vern Massie, who’s a candidate for Dist. 1 Hubbard County commissioner. He indicated he would attend meetings on a regular basis if elected.
Swenson asked Massie, who is the former solid waste administrator, about being allowed to haul ash to the landfill after a burn. The refuse currently must be transported to Perham.
Massie agreed to speak with Jed Nordin, the current administrator, on the matter.
“It will be a priority,” Massie said.
n Approved the resignation of Greg Huntziger after 25 years as a Nevis Liquor Store bartender.
n Approved a charitable gambling license for the Nevis Fireperson Relief Association at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill. Shawn Dudley and Nate Ott recently took ownership.
n Reported liquor store earnings of $4,069 in September.
