(Posted Jan. 27, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
London city council officially approved Mayor Pat Closser’s recommendation to appoint Joseph D. Mosier as the city’s safety service director effective Jan. 25.
“I feel that choosing a strong safety service director is a key part in improving London,” Closser wrote in his recommendation. “I am excited to have (Joe) as a part of my administration, and I know we will make a great team that will improve and grow London.”
A resident of London since the mid-1960s, Mosier holds an associate degree in electronic engineering from Columbus State and a life and health insurance agent’s license. He has owned and managed businesses in the fields of insurance, restaurants, marketing, and local and international transportation.
For the past two years, Mosier served as the city’s deputy auditor. He also has been a member of the city’s tax review board and the Madison County-London City Health District board. He attends London First United Methodist Church.
As for his interest in the safety-service position, Mosier said, “I’ve known Pat for a long time. I just think with my background I can help.”
Brightway signs lease
At the Jan. 21 council meeting, Closser announced the closing on the sale of part of the former school campus on Walnut Street. Brightway Institute bought the old middle school building, gym, and detached art building from the city for $1 on Dec. 28. The organization plans to open a vocational school on the property.
The sale was a long time in the making.
“Some issues needed ironed out about splitting of the utilities,” Closser said.
The city retains ownership of the old primary building and is leasing the gym back from Brightway for $1 in order to maintain control of city recreational programming and com-munity rental of the gym.
According to Closser, Brightway plans to offer concrete finishing certification classes in the spring. Later, the institute will add additional certification classes covering a variety of skill sets, including forklift operation and landscaping.
Department vehicle transfer
Originally, a 2004 GMC Yukon was one of four vehicles the London police department intended to sell via Internet auction. With 82,000 miles on it, the vehicle was past its prime for police use. Meanwhile, the vehicle Fire Chief Todd Eades drives has 180,000 miles on it. The two chiefs talked and arranged to replace Eades’ vehicle with the Yukon, eliminating the need for a vehicle purchase.
“I want to thank both chiefs for thinking outside the box” and saving taxpayer dollars, Closser said.
Vehicles that likely will still go on the Internet auction block are two 2008 Chevy Impalas and a 2002 Harley Road King.
Flags donation
Residents Sondra and Rich Hays donated 50 new American flags in support of the Downtown London Association’s effort to replace the 75 to 100 flags the city displays on lampposts on Main and High streets. The DLA will use donated funds to purchase the remaining needed flags.
Upcoming meetings
The next regular meeting of London city council is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in council chambers, 6 E. Second St. The public safety committee will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the police department. The next finance committee meeting is Feb. 15, and the next public service committee meeting is Feb. 18; both will take place at 6 p.m. in council chambers.
