Martin Fire Chief Russell Schwahn will serve his last day at the local department Thursday. After 15 years with the department, six of those years as the chief, Schwahn and his family are moving to Hardeman County, leaving an open slot at the helm of the MFD.
The City of Martin has advertised for the position and the Board of Aldermen were asked to submit their top five choices to the city’s human resources director, Celeste Taylor by Monday evening.
“I prefer live interviews,” alderman David Belote responded when asked how the board would like to handle the interview process for a replacement fire chief.
Taylor explained all questions must remain the same for each candidate during a “live” or public interview.
With that, board members agreed to hold public interviews for the top five candidates. The City of Martin is expected to advertise the upcoming interview dates.
In other board news, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a re-zoning ordinance on its final reading Monday evening.
The re-zoning is for a piece of property located on North Lindell Street in front of the former box factory from M-1 (Light Industrial) to B-2 (Intermediate Business).
The property will be used to house a day care facility. The ordinance passed the board unanimously.
In department head reports, Taylor said the insurance meetings are complete and employees seemed pleased with the insurance policies.
Taylor thanked board members for their help in securing insurance.
Schwahn also thanked board members for their support during his time as chief.
“I appreciate everything that you have done for me and the department. I want to thank all of the department heads for their help, especially Celeste (Taylor),” Schwahn said.
Martin Mayor Randy Brundige told Schwahn it was a good tenure having him at the head of the department.
City recorder Chris Mathis announced the city is also working to secure bond funds at a lower interest rate for capital outlay notes from 4-5 percent to 1-2 percent.
The board will meet again at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 7 for an informal session.

WCP 7.10.12