KINGMAN – New Interim City Manager Grady Miller was recognized following the start of Tuesday’s Kingman Council meeting. Mayor Ken Watkins handled the welcome and introduction.
“Grady, glad to have you on board,” Watkins said.
“Thank you mayor and council and the public,” Miller responded. “I’m very glad to be here and am looking forward to the next several months in helping the council.”
Mayor Watkins noted that Miller has experienced some difficulty in securing housing for his indefinite period of Kingman employment. The comment came as Council considered amending its current requirement that the Kingman City Manager reside within the city limits.
Council approved easing that restriction by allowing future city managers to live within three miles of the city boundary. Vice Mayor Cherish Sammeli said the city doesn’t want residency and housing challenges limiting or stifling applications as Kingman prepares for a national recruitment campaign to secure its next city manager.
In other business, members Keith Walker and Marion Ward dissented in the 4-2 council vote that approved a new operating agreement allowing the return of the Bird Rides rental scooter program. Both said they’ve heard nothing but complaints about clutter and other issues that plagued the program during previous operation that ended in August.
Sammeli and Councilor Jamie Scott Stehly said company officials have attempted to address prior problems and should be given another opportunity. The Council approved a six-month contract allowing the city to opt out with 30-day cancellation notice if desired.
City officials said the scooters should reappear on Kingman streets within the next one to two weeks.
