Maumee's finance director's appointment draws `warm' reception

4/18/2002

During a “heated” council session, David Hazard received a warm welcome after he was named Maumee's new finance director/municipal clerk.

Council members each took time to congratulate Mr. Hazard, saying that they are looking forward to working with him in his new role with the city.

With fans whirling behind them, officials apologized for the tropical conditions in council chambers, explaining that the city's air-conditioning system, hammered by hailstones last year, is out of commission. A crane is scheduled to arrive within two weeks to help with the repairs of the roof-top unit.

As soon as the session ended, several people dashed for the doorway to gulp some cool air. “I was roasting like a holiday turkey,” one resident said.

The temperature soared to 86 degrees on the second floor of the municipal building on Monday, Mayor Wagener said.

Cooler temperatures predicted for this weekend should help ease the situation in time for next Monday's municipal planning commission session. One of the items under consideration: the proposed Mall at Fallen Timbers. Council chambers likely will be packed.

But in the meantime, Mr. Hazard is settling into his new job. He replaces Richard Pfaff who was municipal clerk/finance director since 1986. He left in February.

Mr. Hazard of Maumee has been the acting clerk and finance director. He previously was the assistant municipal clerk and assistant finance director.

In other action Monday night, council authorized the mayor and clerk to enter into a contract with Horne and King Architects, Inc., of Dublin, Ohio, for architecture and engineering services for the new police station. The contract is not to exceed $510,000.

In a related matter, the city agreed to proceed with plans to purchase the property at 133 East John St. for $95,000. “With consideration of expansion of the Municipal Complex under way, it is desirable to secure ownership of real estate that abuts our current facility when such real estate comes up for sale,” Mr. Wagener said in a letter to council asking for authorization to enter into a contract to buy the land.