ROCHELLE — Although it’s been nearly a week since the departure of Rochelle’s city manager was announced, there has yet to be an interim manager appointed.

Dan McDermott, Mayor Pro Tem during Monday evening’s City Council meeting, said Sue Messer, Assistant to the City Manager, would be the initial contact person at City Hall.

“As far as every day operations, it will still be going through the office, as far as normal procedures,” McDermott said. “Any major items would come through council for a vote.”

The mayor and the current city council have less than two weeks to appoint an interim manager and must begin a search for a permanent city manager within 30 days. According to the city code, the permanent city manager must be hired and start the position with 180 days of the vacancy.

Former city manager Dave Plyman held the position for over five years.

Other business

City council approved an emergency contract for repairs to the First Avenue bridge, at a cost of nearly $29,000, set to begin next week. City engineer Sam Tesreau anticipates several roadway bridge replacements and/or repairs will need to be done over the next few years as the infrastructure is in excess of 50 years old.

“This is one of the four bridges that we expect to replace over the next 4 to 5 years; however, the next bridge that we want to replace is the Seventh Avenue bridge. It’s in worse condition right now,” Tesreau said.

Tesreau added that once the piling system is replaced on the First Avenue bridge, it will be restored to a truck route, but for a maximum 80,000 pound loads. Over weight trucks will not be permitted.

Tesreau said the expected date of completion is around the first week of May.

Council approved necessary upgrades to the city’s RMU transmission system at a cost of $218,000 for the purchase of steel poles. RMU is rebuilding the 138kV transmission line that extends along Steward Road to Hayes Road due to its age.

Council also approved the purchase of a telescoping bucket truck at a cost of $230,647, with delivery expected sometime next year. Superintendent of Electric Operations, Jason Bird, said the current 2005 model has exceeded its life expectancy and is experiencing mechanical issues.

Council approved the Rochelle Elementary School’s Fun Run event for May 17, along with the Rochelle Community Action Network Food Truck Fair scheduled for April 29.

McDermott sat in for Mayor Chet Olson, absent for Monday’s meeting. Also absent was Councilman Tom McDermott.