Brownwood City Council approved City Manager Emily Crawford’s appointment of Tim Airheart as the Assistant City Manager – Public Works at Tuesday’s meeting of the council.
As Don Hatcher, Division Director of Public Works, transitioned into part-time status before retiring, the full-time position he held was restructured by Crawford to be an Assistant City Manager, with no engineering degree required. Crawford stated that she had three very qualified applicants which made the decision very difficult; however, Airheart was the top choice.
Airheart has worked for the City of Brownwood for 24 years, serving as Street Department Supervisor, Solid Waste Supervisor, Assistant Director of Public Works, and Solid Waste Services Manager. He has also served as the Assistant Street and Bridge Superintendent for the City of San Angelo for three years. In addition to municipal experience, Airheart served as Facility Manager for the Camp Bowie Training Center for three years and has served in the Texas Army National Guard for over 11 years, including Company Commander for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 3rd Battalion, 12th Armor.“Mr. Airheart has extensive experience in construction project management, contractor and consultant coordination, operational procedure development, state and federal permitting and regulation reporting, personnel management, and grant writing and reporting,” said Crawford. “He is a graduate of Howard Payne University and holds certification in solid waste and hazardous materials from state and national agencies including TCEQ, TEEX, SWANA, and others. He exemplifies the character of a civil servant and takes pride in serving the citizens of Brownwood.”
The terms of the new position include a base pay of $98,000 and the use of a city vehicle for work, explained Crawford.
Airheart is pictured above after Tuesday’s meeting.
In other matters on Tuesday’s agenda:
*Council authorized the mayor to sign a vendor’s agreement for the 2015/2016 Home Delivered Meals with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). According to David Withers, City of Brownwood Parks and Recreation Director, the Senior Citizens Center’s meal program provides 140-150 hot meals each day at the facility and an additional 70 delivered meals to seniors who are homebound. Meals cost citizens a mere $2 donation, according to Withers.
*Council approved a $97,889.28 bid to Prater Equipment Company for the placement of asphalt and pavement markings on Indian Creek Drive, Stephen F. Austin Drive and Calvert Road and authorized the city manager to sign the contract and related documents. This project is a continuation of the Street Bond work and was approved in Phase II projects last year. The project includes labor and equipment to install a 1-inch asphalt overlay and restriping of the project by the contractor to level up the road for a smoother ride and increased usable life of the surface. City crews will complete a seal coat to seal cracks, block moisture from the subgrade and adhere the hot mix to the existing road. The city will provide the hot mix material to save money on the overall project which is to be completed by August 21, 2015, before the school year begins.
Crawford explained that this bid was $77,000 lower than the other bid received and is awarded to the company who completed the Fisk Street project.
*Council awarded a bid to Jim Tongate in the amount of $16,243 for the 833 acre airport agriculture lease. This lease also includes rights to hunt birds. The lease is a 3 year term with an additional 3 year option.
*Council members also re-elected Draco Miller of Ward 4 to continue serving as Mayor Pro-Tem. Mayor Haynes explained that this vote was necessary each term when there is a change in council members. The council has seen the election of two new members, Larry Mathis and Ed McMillian, this year. Miller is pictured below.
