By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A former Hays city commissioner has been called back into public service.

Ron Mellick was unanimously appointed by the city commission Thursday night to fill the seat recently vacated by Chris Dinkel, who will be moving to New York City.

Mellick last served as a Hays city commissioner in April, 2015, after serving two terms.

That experience is why Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller made the nomination to appoint Mellick for the unexpired term.

“In the next 18 months, we will complete and begin $100 million in infrastructure projects,” Schwaller pointed out and then noted “we don’t have to borrow the money. We have the money.

“When I first served with Ron Mellick in 2009, I didn’t know him very well. … He’s an amazing commissioner. He asks the right questions. You know where he’s going to stand on an issue, although he’s very flexible. He listens to others. He certainly has a strong opinion from time to to time.

“Given the enormity of these decisions we’re going to be making –  the four of us – we need a fifth who’s been here,” Schwaller concluded. “It’s good to have someone join us who’s been here for awhile, not that the other candidates aren’t great. But given the scope and the learning curve, that’s why I made that motion.”

The current commissioners thanked those who contacted them about filling the vacancy and encouraged them to run during the next city election.

“We need good people to run. I believe we need new blood,” said Commissioner Shaun Musil, who also served with Mellick. “But I also think with what we’re going into with the budget season and with water, I think the person we’re picking is the right one.”

According to Hays City Clerk Brenda Kitchen, Dinkel’s unexpired term ends in 2020.