The city of Stanley has a new wastewater operator, council members moving to hire Brett Kinard at the Monday, Feb. 16 council meeting. Kinard replaces longtime operator Nick Martin, fired by the city in January on the basis of job abandonment.
Motion to approve the hire of Kinard as new city wastewater operator was made by Ward 2 Alderperson Jason Meyer and seconded by Wards 1 and 8 Alderperson Ben Wald. The post with wage set at $28 per hour with March 2 start date includes the opportunity to go to $28.50 after six months as well as a 25 cent increase for certifications and signed CDL contract, with CDL costs to be paid by the city.
Ward 2 alderperson Jason Meyer shared more on what went into the hiring process.
“Me and Jacob felt that he interviewed the best,” Meyer said of the hiring committee. “He came across with the best done answers and good personality and such. The other two, one was not as qualified and the other candidate had a lot more maintenance experience but just didn’t interview as well. So we decided on Brett.” Kinard has a millwright certificate along with time working at the mill in Cornell, changing out motors, gear boxes and pumps.
“Similar to what you would have at the wastewater treatment plant,” Meyer said.