By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There was a new agenda item during Thursday’s Hays city commission meeting. Mayor Shaun Musil called it “my new favorite item on the agenda.”

City employee promotions and new hires will now be recognized by the commission during their regular meetings which are televised live.

Water Superintendent Tim Huck introduced Steve Werth, the new evening relief operator at the water plant. This is the second time Werth has been with the city. He previously worked 15 years as a water plant operator “so he’s very experienced,” said Huck. “He doesn’t need any training, just walked in like he never left.”

Interim Public Works Director John Braun recognized two Service Division maintenance workers who were promoted from Maintenance Worker I to Maintenance Worker II.

A. J. Wickham was introduced to commissioners on the two year anniversary of her employment with the city. She was hired June 8, 2015. Patrick Martin has worked for the city about one year.

“Both of them met the qualifications and criteria to get promoted,” Braun said. “That ranges anywhere from their attitude to their proficiency in finishing concrete, asphalt patches and a myriad of other skills.”

Commissioners congratulated the employees and thanked them for taking their personal time to come to the meeting.

“I love getting to meet you guys,” Musil added.