Utilities superintendent not appointed, new council president

MADISON, Neb. -- With a full room and two executive sessions, Madison City Council did not re-appoint Jim Lewis as the utilities superintendent.

Lewis faces on-going litigation in Madison County Court for alleged felony theft and witness tampering. He has a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 15 for two felony counts of theft and witness tampering.

This stems from a May letter from state auditor Mike Foley to the city of Madison accusing Jim Lewis of using company time and resources.

Prior to going into executive session, former utilities superintendent Jim Lewis was present at the meeting early on.

Following an executive session called by the council to discuss appointing officers, including Lewis’ position, the council decided to vacate the role going into next year.

Lewis was not present for the rest of the meeting following the council’s decision.

Four positions, including the city clerk, treasurer, and utilities superintendent, remain vacated following the meeting on Wednesday night.

The city has had two treasurers resign in the last year.

During other appointments to the city council, the council president was a split vote.

After a failure to gain a second motion for Brian Zessin and, at the time, current council president Paul Kellen, Rick Schommer was elected president.

After a split council vote, Mayor Rob Fite’s deciding 'yes' vote elected Schommer as council president.

With the final scheduled meeting of the year, the city remains having to fill three open positions under a new council president.