Council interviews McNeal nominees

Mountain Home City Council met in special session Monday to interview potential department head appointments as Mayor-elect Joe McNeal introduced the team he hopes will help him guide the city into the future.

Council chambers were filled with supporters for the new appointees as McNeal explained the importance of a smooth transition period as he prepares to take office on Jan. 12. Planning to retain most department heads, he wanted to give the council an opportunity to get acquainted with his two new appointments, Dan Amaruso for building inspector and Nina Patterson as city clerk.

McNeal pointed out that department head positions are not lifetime appointments. If a person is not effective in a particular position, they can be, and will be, dismissed. He encouraged the council to keep in mind that as the mayor the department heads would be under his direction. Each would report back to him and he in turn would report to the council.

Council members welcomed the opportunity to meet the new appointment nominees and to learn a bit about their backgrounds.

Dan Amaruso has a solid background in construction. Although not currently licensed as a business inspector, he noted that he will get the necessary license as quickly as possible. In the interim, he thought the city could work with the county's building inspector.

Councilman Tom Rist noted that in the past the city has sometimes had problems with property falling into disrepair. He asked if and how Amaruso would handle such issues. Amaruso explained that he hoped he could work with property owners to show them how important it is to respect the city's guidelines and laws. He said he believes the same rules should apply to everyone, showing no favoritism.

Amaruso said that while he is not familiar with all the zoning issues, readdressing and the city's comprehensive plan, he is confident that he will be able to soon be up to speed in those areas.

Nina Patterson, McNeal's preferred appointment for the city clerks position, brings 21 years experience in working with the county.

Patterson said she is not afraid to delegate duties, and she believes cross training is essential for employees.

She sees the duties of the city clerk to include acting as liaison to keep the council and mayor aware of what is going on within the city's many departments.

The council can take no official action on the new appointments until after the new mayor takes office and formally presents his nominees.