Arnold resurrects Civil Service Commission, Redevelopment Authority

Arnold reactivated its civil service commission and redevelopment authority after all members of both groups resigned last month.

“They both collapsed at the same time,” Mayor Shannon Santucci said. “I just made phone calls and asked people if they’d be interested.”

Santucci estimated she made about 24 phone calls to people she thought might be willing to serve on the boards.

The civil service commission sets the criteria for hiring city police officers. The redevelopment authority encourages economic development.

On Tuesday, council appointed John Clark, Mark Santucci and Willie Weber to the civil service commission.

Jess Bohrer, George Hawdon, Jerry Jefferson and Terrilyn Cheatham Prescott were appointed to the redevelopment authority.

Santucci said the three men appointed to the civil service commission are retired police officers. Mark Santucci is the mayor’s cousin.

“They not only know the rules, they also can make sure everything is done properly,” she said. “There will never be a question if everything was done the right way.”

Arnold’s police department has seven officers: five full-time and two part-time, said Officer-in-Charge Rob Haus.

The city is looking to hire three more full-time officers.

Santucci also thinks the outlook for the redevelopment authority is bright. Her goals there are to engage with business owners and bring businesses into currently vacant spaces.

The city still needs an alternate to serve on the civil service commission and another member on the redevelopment authority.

Santucci said people interested in serving can call the City Hall office at 724-337-4441.