Ryan Gruba Sworn In as New Milbank City Council Member

Ryan Gruba took his oath of office as the newest member of the Milbank City Council during the regular meeting of the municipal group on Monday, July 14. Gruba had prepared to run for the seat vacated by Mike Hanson, however, when no one else filed a petition, no election was necessary. 

Gruba brings to the table 12 years of experience in civil engineering and land surveying. He also worked five years as the Deputy Director of Equalization for Grant County. For the past eight years, he has acted in the role of operations manager for Hicks Construction and H and H Operations. Gruba said he believes his background uniquely positions him to help drive Milbank forward. He also said, “I don’t believe we currently have any major issues.”  Milbank council members serve staggered four-year terms.

Mindy Rogers and Roger Briggs – both unopposed incumbents  – were also sworn in again by Mayor Pat Raffety. During the election of council officers, Rogers was chosen as president, and Craig Weinberg was made vice president.

The mayor’s employee appointments were approved: 
1. City Administrator Steve Pendergrass  
2. Finance Officer Cynthia Schumacher 
3. Police Chief Corey Hooth   
4. Fire Chief David Giesen.

The mayor’s committee appointments were also approved or reapproved: 
1. Craig Weinberg – Finance and Planning & Zoning 
2. John Weyh – Streets, Fire, and Grant County Emergency 
3. Ryan Gruba – Wastewater and Parks & Recreation 
4. Roger Briggs – Water
5. Mindy Rogers – Parks & Recreation 
6. Pat Raffety – Finance and Grant County Development Corporation 
7. Josh Karels – Public Works and Police

The next meeting of the Milbank City Council is scheduled for August 11 at 6 p.m.