After a lengthy discussion, followed by a failed motion to table the issue, the Hillsdale City Council voted, Monday night, to appoint a new Police and Fire Chief.
A total of five candidates applied for the job, including three internal candidates.
Kristopher Joswiak was the top candidate, following an interview process that involved members of the Public Safety Committee, Mayor Scott Sessions, City Manager David Mackie, and outgoing Chief Scott Hephner.
Joswick has an extensive background in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medicine.
Under the City’s charter, the Police & Fire Chief is a Mayoral appointment.
Councilmen Joshua Paladino and Matt Bentley both expressed concern about what they said was a failure to include the council in the interview process.
Paladino called the process “incredibly inappropriate.” He said, at the very least, the council should have been allowed to meet the top two candidates before voting on an appointment.
Paladino motioned to table the issue to give councilmembers time to meet Joswiak.
The motion failed 6-3, with Paladino, Bentley, and Jacob Bruns voting in favor.
Councilman Bob Flynn entered a motion to approve Joswiak’s appointment. The motion passed 8-to-1, with Bentley casting the lone dissenting vote.
Joswiak will take the reins later this month. He’ll replace Scott Hephner, who is retiring.