EAST LIVERPOOL - Apparently, the Thompson Park board has interviewed the one person who passed a recent Civil Service test for the superintendent's position.
No special meetings of the board have been called to conduct interviews since its regular meeting last Tuesday, but at Wednesday's Civil Service Commission meeting, member John Fisher reported James Blackhurst had been interviewed for the position.
The park board had indicated last week it has asked for a legal opinion on whether or not Blackhurst the only one who passed the test - has to be offered the position.
While members said it is entirely possible Blackhurst is the best candidate for the job, they had hoped for a pool of people from which to choose.
Fisher said Wednesday that Civil Service regulations require that Blackhurst be given an interview, although they do not require the board to hire him. He said, however, the park board has indicated it plans on a second interview with Blackhurst, who is from Lisbon.
The park board has also expressed an interest in offering a second test for the position, and Fisher asked other commission members to join him in coming up with pertinent questions for a new test, in case the board does decide it wants to re-test.
He said Blackhurst will remain on the eligibility list even if another test is given and said he would also be eligible to take any new test offered if he so desires.
Fisher was unsure whether or not Blackhurst would remain on the eligibility list if he took a new test and failed, but speculated that he would.
In other matters Wednesday, the commission accepted the resignation of city Patrolman Shawn McClellan, effective Jan. 26. McClellan, the most recently hired patrolman in the city police department, left to accept a job with the Boardman Township Police Department.
In his resignation letter, McClellan referred to the new position being more convenient to his Campbell home and a career opportunity "that should be seized." He thanked the city for the chance to work with the police department and in "learning the ropes," saying, "Not only have they opened my eyes to techniques of law enforcement, but also taught me lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life."
He concluded, "Let it be known that the ELPD will always have a friend in Boardman Township."
The commission also accepted the hiring of new Patrolman Christopher Green, effective Feb. 20 at a salary of $13.66 per hour. Green is currently undergoing his police training in Columbus.
With the current eligibility list of entry-level patrolman expiring, members discussed holding a test in the future, and Fisher will be meeting with commission Secretary Jane Miller and police Chief John Lane to plan a date for the test.
Fisher said he believes the chief wants to have a list in place for any potential future vacancies.
The commission's next regular meeting will be at 5:15 p.m. April 3 in the commission's chambers in City Hall.
