Story by Austin Williams
There was high attendance at the Centralia City Council meeting on Tuesday, as family, friends, and colleagues came to see several Centralia firefighters and police officers honored or sworn in.
In the fire department, Scott Wiesen received a promotion to captain, Drake Tate was promoted to Lieutenant, and Rachel Neubauer was sworn in as a probationary firefighter.
Police officer Cameron B. Ward was recognized for 10 years of service, and Steven Whritenour was recognized for 20 years of service. A letter of commendation was read for dispatch supervisor Chris Wolenhaupt for his efforts on a particularly challenging dispatch call. Finally, police officer Mickey Jader received an Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorist Award recognizing his efforts in combatting drunk driving.
Centralia City Council congratulates two police officers on career milestones. Left to right: Centralia City Councilman Izzy Fontenez, Jeff Castellari, Mayor Bryan Kuder, 10-years of service awardee Cameron Ward, 20-years of service awardee Steve Whritenour, and Councilmen Barri Allen and Rob Jackson. Photo by Austin Williams.
Centralia Police Officer Mickey Jader (left) is honored with an Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorist Award by Police Chief Chris Locke.
The board accepted two bids for public work projects.
- A bid from Rooters American Maintenance for roadway improvements, as part of a project to meet ADA standards along sections of South Sycamore, South Pine, East 7th, and East 5th streets, was approved for the amount of $474,929. In a previous attempt to bid on this project, Centralia received only one bid to do both sidewalk and roadway work for over $900,000, well over the original estimated cost. Now the having contracted the roadway and sidewalk portions of the project separately, the city saved over $240,000 from that original bid.
- A bid from Furlong Excavating was also approved for water main replacement along Cahill Drive for $62,357.
Several resolutions were approved for transactions including the purchase of a public works vehicle for $39,900, the purchase of a code enforcement vehicle for $17,600, and acceptance of an engagement letter from C.J. Schlosser & Company to continue performing audit services for the 2023 fiscal year. The cost of audit services from the previous year was $30,000, and this year will not exceed $31,600.
The next Centralia City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 26.
New firefighter Rachel Neubauer (left) is sworn in by City Clerk Kim Enke (right) as her parents Michael and Karen Neubauer hold the Bible and look on. Photo by Austin Williams.
