Politics & Government

New Police Chief, Board of Aldermen And Board President In Manchester

Emergency legislation was enacted Monday night, and Timothy Walsh was nominated and appointed to the position.

Monday night was a night of change for the City of Manchester. 

It started with the swearing in of two new aldermen, Paul Hamill of Ward 1, who is replacing Bob Tullock; John Schrader of Ward 3, who is replacing Don Ryan; along with re-elected Ward 2 Alderman Michael Clement. All three aldermen received standing ovations by the public after they were sworn in.

Alderman Paul Hamill later introduced an ordinance appointing Acting Police Chief Lt. Timothy Walsh to the position of police chief permanently. Walsh has served as the city's police chief for nearly two years. He was nominated to be appointed to the position permanently in August of 2010, but the measure was not passed by the board of aldermen.

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Monday night, the board enacted emergency legislation and voted on the appointment. It passed unanimously with a vote of 6-0. However, Ward 2 Alderwoman Marilyn Ottenad read a statement before casting her "yes" vote. She said she was voting for Walsh because she was representing the wishes of her constituents. 

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Residents gave Walsh a standing ovation and blew noisemakers once the appointment passed. Walsh was sworn in immediately. 

"I'd like to thank everyone who's supported me and helped me over the last two years. I couldn't have done this without them," Walsh said.

Walsh told Patch he hopes to improve the police department.

"I am absolutely thrilled," Walsh said. "I think the people that were here showed that they supported me. Obviously the board did, and I couldn't be happier. I will now have folks that will be able to help me along with my projects where I didn't before. I am hopeful to have a few more promotions here, and everything will run much more smoothly."

Board members also elected Ottenad as board president Monday night, after a nomination by Clement, who said Ottenad was a "superb leader."

Ottenad said she was happy and honored to serve as board president. And though the title does not give her any extra powers, unless the mayor can't perform his duties, she does get to do one thing she loves—the invocations.

"I am very happy," Ottenad said. "I love doing the invocations, and I spend a lot of time deciding what I am going to say."

After the meeting, the newly elected aldermen said there were thrilled about that night's legislation the board was able to pass unanimously.

"I am ecstatic," said Schrader, who was accompanied by his wife and two daughters. "It's just a fantastic meeting. We got rid of a bunch of bottlenecks that'd been blocking things up in the last year and a half. Now we can move ahead and get the city going."

Hamill said he was excited for what was accomplished at a productive first meeting of the new board.

"If you look at what the board was able to accomplish compared to what went on last year, it's an incredible difference," Hamill said. "Let's hope that the animosity is gone, and we can now work for the residents of Manchester."

Clement said he expects the board will disagree on several issues, but believes all members want what's best for the city, not their personal interests.

"We are still probably going to have disagreements, but I think it will be the respectful kind of disagreements," Clement said. "There is certainly ongoing issues that we will face, but I think this board is much more focused in consensus and improvement."

Although Monday brought big change, a few moments were dedicated to lack of change.

Attorney Patrick Gunn's family surprised him with an appearance at the board meeting to help board members and residents celebrate Gunn's 35 years with the City of Manchester. 

Mayor Davi Willson made a proclamation making May 2, 2011 Patrick Gunn Appreciation Day for his outstanding service and dedication to the city.

Gunn teared up as he thanked his colleagues, friends and family, including his assistant, Sandy, who began working for him one month after he started as city attorney 35 years ago.

"It is an absolute joy to work with these wonderful people," Gunn said about his fellow city employees.

City Clerk Ruth Baker was also recognized Monday night as the mayor declared it Municipal Clerks' Week.

"The city would not run as smoothly as it does without Ruth's help," Willson said.

Other Business:

  • Board members unanimously approved a resolution to enter a contract agreement for $300,00 with Stock and Associates Consulting Engineers to move forward with the stormwater study. The engineering firm will provide the city with the design of stormwater improvement services for a designated section of the Channel B Stormwater Project. Board members also voted to enter an agreement for $135,200 with the consulting firm for a design of stormwater improvement services for the Chadwick subdivision. 

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  • Board members also voted to allocate a $10,000 increase in the contract for additional fees required for Southern Ditching and Excavating Company to continue work on the Shallowcreek View storm sewer and drainage project. The project has been delayed and the cost increased due to unexpected issues with utilities in the area. This increase brings the new total for the contract with the company to $33,642.

"This is a small little project that should have been done in three days and it's turned into a nightmare," City Administrator Ed Blattner said. "I can guarantee you that with any future storm water projects we do, the engineering firm will go out and check for utilities first."

  • Board members also voted to continue authorizing the city to provide the Parkway School District school resource officers.
  • Chief Tim Walsh introduced the Manchester Police Department's two new police clerks: Barb Schlitt and Sue Dame.


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