Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
After nearly three years of vacancy, the city’s Street and Weed Commissioner position will be officially filled Tuesday evening, as Ron Liberty takes the helm. Liberty ran for the position unopposed in last Tuesday’s Spring General Election.
The position was last held by Dick Lupton, who retired in December of 2015. During Lupton’s tenure and prior, the position was full-time status but has since been reduced to a part-time position
A lifelong resident of Merrill, Liberty is retired after 15-years of service with Ferrellgas of Eagle River.
“I thought it would be an interesring postion and didnt think anyone else would want it,” Liberty explains of his motivation to run for the vacant office. “Since nobody else ran for it, I guess I was right.” he adds with a smile.
Liberty estimates the job will entail between 5 and 10 hours a week. Duties of the position will include monitoring residential snow removal and shoveling during the winter months along with weed control and lawn maintenance during the summer months.
“Residents have 3 days to shovel sidewalks and so on in the winter. My job will be document any areas that have not been cleared and report them to the street department. The same applies to yards that have not mowed in the summer and areas of obnoxious weed growth.”
The position entails a term of four-years with an annual salary of $2,500.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Ron adds. “It will be interesting I’m sure and I’m sure I’ll learn a few things along the way.”