By Debbie Robinson

news@joplinglobe.com

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — The Carl Junction City Council on Tuesday named the town’s economic-development director to the position of city administrator. Steve Lawver will be paid $55,000 a year, based on a one-year contract.

Lawver worked for the city in economic development from 2002 to November 2005 and again beginning in November 2006 after a stint in the private sector.

Lawver, who was out of the office Wednesday and could not be reached for comment, agreed to a one-year contract that will automatically renew each year. The contract provides a severance package equal to three months’ salary if he is fired.

The city received fewer than 10 applications for the city administrator’s position that was left vacant after Jim Whisenant resigned a year ago. Whisenant was paid an annual salary of $55,755.

Mayor Michael Moss said Wednesday that the position of economic-development director will not be filled.

“He (Lawver) will still be doing economic development, but his title will be city administrator,” Moss said. “He told the council he could do both jobs with no problem.”

Moss said the council believes Lawver will bring consistency to the position, as well as knowledge of the city and its department heads.

“Hopefully, he’ll stay here long term,” Moss said.

Community center

The Carl Junction City Council on Tuesday hired Mettemeyer Engineering of Joplin for $55,500 plus expenses to do the civil engineering work at the site for the new community center to be built on Main Street, north of Pennell Street. The firm will complete site grading and infrastructure system design, including a new road, storm-water drainage and utility plans.