After 16 years as the Richwood Chief of Police, Monte Asher announced he will retire on Feb. 23 during the Village Council meeting on Monday.
Asher has served at the local police department for about 25 years, rising up the ranks from auxiliary officer to sergeant to his current role as chief. He replaced his brother, Rick Asher, who retired as chief of police in February 2007.
Asher thanked the village residents “for the 25 years that I served in the community, for them to let me serve.”
He said Clemans Nelson and Associates, a management consulting firm, held interviews for the police chief on Tuesday. The firm will make a recommendation to Mayor Scott Jerew. Then, the mayor will present a candidate to council, who will vote for Asher’s successor.
Asher said he will continue to serve as the village administrator for at least three to five years to see projects he started through completion.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “It’s home to me.”
Asher added that he will continue to share an office with Public Works Supervisor Nick McDonald at the municipal building, 153 N. Franklin St.
In other business:
– The council elected member Reddy Brown as president.
– Asher met with Access Engineering for the new layout of the regionalized sewer plant. Officials from Access Engineering said they will be in town once a week for the layout and design of the plant until construction begins.
– Jerew received a quote from Shawn McAllister Architect, Inc. for the restrooms at Richwood Lake and Park. Under the agreement, Shawn McAllister Architect, Inc. will provide permit/construction documents for the restroom building. The cost includes $3,500 for the architectural drawings, $2,500 for the foundation, framing plan and details (assuming normal soil conditions) and $2,400 for mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings. Additional fees apply for changes after the design drawings and plans have been approved. The civil engineering and site plans as well as landscaping are not included. Furthermore, a cottonwood tree in the area will need to be removed for the project.
– Asher said the village crew is preparing to cut down trees where the Lynn Street parking lot will be located and level the property to get ready for stone over the next few weeks. Jerew added that one maple tree will remain to provide shade.
-Jerew said the Tax Incentive Review Council would like a village council member to attend the meetings with him. He suggested Council member Pat Morse, and the council agreed.
-The mayor also said his, Brown’s and Council member Donnie Ridgeway’s terms expire this year. They will have to complete petitions to seek reelection.
The next council meeting is Monday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.