Board of Works adds new member

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GREENFIELD — Greenfield’s Board of Works and Public Safety finally has a full roster of members to start the new year.

Mayor Chuck Fewell appointed longtime Greenfield resident and governmental affairs attorney Glenna Shelby to the board that is charged with handling administrative duties for the city. She joined the five-member board by taking an oath of office on Tuesday.

Other members are Dan Reigelsperger, Kathy Locke, Kelly McClarnon and Fewell.

Shelby replaced Brent Lawson, who resigned from the position after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving late last year. He was arrested following a traffic stop in mid-November; he was driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal threshold of 0.08 percent, court documents said. His case is pending.

Lawson had served on the city’s board of works since 2012.

The board serves as the chief administrative body of the city, approving new hires, purchases and overseeing disciplinary action for city employees. Last year, members earned $5,000 for their service on the board, which meets twice a month.

Shelby has a law degree from Indiana University and works for LegisGroup Public Affairs, a lobbying organization that works closely with members of the Indiana General Assembly. She’s lived in Greenfield for more than 35 years and has previously served on the city’s redevelopment commission.

She said she was honored and surprised when Fewell approached her about the appointment. She sees her position on the board, whose members are chosen by the mayor, as a new opportunity to serve the community, she said.

“I hope to be a voice for good government,” she said.

Shelby’s legal background will come in handy as an extra set of eyes on city contracts and paperwork the board of works approves, Locke said. As the city moves forward with its strategic plan, Shelby’s connection with Hancock County government through her husband, county councilman Jim Shelby, could come in handy as well, Reigelsperger said.

Shelby’s work in state and local government are qualities and credentials the will serve the city well, Fewell said.

“We have a lot on the agenda to accomplish this year, and we’re going to start the year off with a roar,” Fewell said.