Hurley City Council reorganizes; Mullard waits to take mayor's job

By RALPH ANSAMI

[email protected]

Hurley — The Hurley City Council re-organized without its mayor in charge on Tuesday.

Because an appeals process is in effect following Paul Mullard’s one-vote victory over Joe Pinardi on April 3, Mullard can’t be sworn into office until Monday.

As a result, mayor pro-tempore Steve Lombardo was briefly in charge Tuesday until he handed the reigns over to council member Joanne Bruneau, who was named to preside over the meeting.

The council tabled two items until its May meeting — a proposed new contract with Beacon Ambulance and plans for the property at 403 Silver St., the former Wishbones, soon to be owned by Greg Dreher, of Gurney.

The council gave permission for street superintendent Mark Bluse to advertise for two part-time summer street department workers at the same rate of pay as last summer.

Also, police chief Chris Colassaco was given permission to hire Josiah Hewitt, now a part-timer in the department, to a full-time position effective May 1, provided he agrees to a three-year commitment to the city.

A part-time police officer may be hired next month.

Action on amending a two-year union contract for the police department was also tabled.

Ray O’Dea, of Saxon, was reappointed city attorney.

Associated Bank-Hurley and Northern State Bank of Ashland were designated as depositories for city funds.

Numerous council appointments were approved, but the mayor’s appointments will wait until he takes the oath of office on Monday.