Niles City Council paused Monday night to pay tribute to Bill Gallagher, who died Friday at 86.

The husband of member Pat Gallagher, he served on the utilities board for more than 30 years through the end of last year and continued to regularly attend council meetings.

“He was a huge asset to the community,” praised Councilman Dan VandenHeede, while Tim Skalla remembered Gallagher as a “gem.”

“They don’t make guys like that anymore,” he said.

Despite periodic disagreements, Mayor Michael McCauslin said of Gallagher, “I always had great respect for his passion for the community.”

Passion is a trait Gallagher shared with City Administrator Ric Huff, who received a one-time $500 bonus after the council evaluated the former police chief’s performance during his first year in the position.

Huff “has brought new enthusiasm to the city,” McCauslin said. “He has brought a lot of excitement and a lot of fresh ideas. While we have all been challenged by economic conditions, we have continued to make progress as a community. Much of that is because of Ric’s involvement.”

“Five hundred dollars is not indicative of what we think of your performance,” VandenHeede added.

“We’re very pleased with your performance,” but city finances are tight, he said.

 

Quotes accepted for city hall

 

Council did make two purchases totaling almost $10,400 for the new city hall at 333 N. Second St. A quote of $3,465 from Pinnacle of Mishawaka was accepted for a SonicWall NSA 2400 TotalSecure Firewall for security and protection of computer hardware and equipment. Also accepted was $6,934.53 from CDW-G of Chicago for three HP switches needed to complete installation of network communications.

 

Conditional rezoning reviewed

 

Council gave first reading to conditional rezoning for Third Street Trust’s parcel at 1201 S. Third St. to office/commercial to facilitate construction of a parking lot. Third Street Trust operates Brentwood Assisted Living at 1147 S. Third St. Brentwood is separated from 1201 S. Third by Decker Street, so any parking is considered “off-site,” which the current moderate density residential designation does not allow.

 

Silverbrook books available

 

Skalla said books on Silverbrook Cemetery are available for $15 on amazon.com or from friendsofsilverbrook.org. The two-volume set lists graves alphabetically.

Silverbrook’s chain-link fence has been painted to match the gate.

 

Pension board appointments

 

Skalla and David Mann were appointed to the pension board.