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WEIMAR — The city government of Weimar has continued their search for a city manager to fill the position that has been vacant for just around six months. While there were several topics on the docket for the Council’s regular meeting on Dec. 14, many of the residents present were in attendance to witness the discussion surrounding the city manager position as well as the interview portion during executive session that was revealed and discussed openly during the subsequent public portion.
While discussion and details that happen during executive session are not public record, several of the councilmembers as well as city attorney Carl Dawson confirmed several details following the session during public comments. According to the meeting agenda, the Council convened to interview a particular applicant for the city manager position who was later revealed to be McCall Ulrich, son of current council member Roy Ulrich.
Prior to the Council departing for executive session, resident Gary Cernoch raised concerns for the potential hiring of Ulrich for city manager. The hiring would be in violation of Texas Nepotism laws that prevent public officials from appointing or voting in relatives. Following executive session, Mayor Milton Koller confirmed that an interview had, in fact, not taken place after several councilmembers, Councilman Ulrich, Stephen Helmcamp and Kevin Janecka, abstained from taking part in the executive session.
When the Council returned from the private proceedings, Dawson assured the public in attendance that the Council would maintain proper legality under his guidance, and that there is no code under nepotism law that prohibits interviews for official positions.
As the public discussion surrounding the city manager position continued, Councilman Helmcamp read aloud an email from Dawson to the Council, detailing Dawson’s intention to possibly resign should Reed Jones become the selection for city manager.
The discussion ended without action by the City Council.
In other news, the Council welcomed Senator Joan Huffman to the meeting and presented her with a key to the city. The state official delivered a resolution from Governor Greg Abbott recognizing Weimar for reaching its 150th year of existence.
The Council also approved to allow the county to use City Hall as an official polling location throughout the 2024 election season.
An amendment on the budget was voted in to include the purchase of a mini excavator as well as a generator for water plant 3. Pipelines running from water plant 3 have suffered the most from the manganese and iron build up in the water supply, causing black water to flow from faucets. Public Works manager Jason Mahan confirmed that they will be adding polyphosphate to the pipelines. Polyphosphate is a safe material that will coat the pipes and prevent sediments and iron from eroding off the pipes into the water.
Weimar City Council will reconvene at its regularly scheduled time at 4 p.m. on Jan. 11.
