The commission accepted the resignation of Commissioner Randall Malmsberry effective Sept. 30 during its prior meeting on Aug. 21 –a resignation that Malmsberry attributed to an upcoming relocation outside of Columbiana County. Thursday marked the final meeting of his near decade of service on the utilities commission which began October 2015 when he was appointed by then Mayor John Berlin to fill the seat which was left vacant when Bennie Funderburg passed away.

During the hearing of public comment Former Commission Chairman and City Councilman Geoff Goll told Malmsberry “that having sat in one of those chairs for 25 years” he understood his accomplishments during his decade of service and wanted to personally thank him for that service.

“I really want to welcome you to a very small group of those of us who have served and now moved on. I think it is the highest point of citizenship to serve your community, and you have done a magnificent job. I am aware of the issues you faced and what you accomplished and as a former chairman I want to say thank you,” said Goll.

Commission Chairman Bob Hodgson and Commissioner Kyle Cranmer both also took time to thank Malmsberry for his service, with Hodgson presenting him with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the commission and the department for his “dedicated service to the Salem Utilities Commission beginning Oct. 13, 2015, through September 30, 2025.”

The utilities commission’s newest member Craig Fehr was sworn in by Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey during the meeting. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

“This is kind of a bittersweet time for us. What Geoff [Goll] said was appropriate. What you’ve brought to the table has been incredible. Your sense of investment in doing the best possible job has been appreciated, … You’ve been a strong voice in protecting water quality, ensuring reliable distribution and supporting wastewater collection for the citizens of Salem as well as Perry, Salem, Butler, and Center Townships, Columbiana County, and the villages of Washingtonville and Leetonia,” said Hodgson. “Your insight and input have been invaluable. You help to foster a culture of respect and pride withing our employees,

evidenced by the number of certifications achieved by our employees. The hours you put in gaining the knowledge needed to make the best decisions the commission could make will benefit the customers of the department for decades, and you will be greatly missed.”

For his part, Malmsberry described his time serving on the commission as a pleasure. He also championed the excellence of the utilities department and its employees –noting that many residents are unaware just how special the department is and that despite growing up in Salem he hadn’t known prior to his service either.

“It was my pleasure to serve the citizens of Salem. I’m not sure [the citizens] really understand what a great department they have here with so many dedicated, hard-working employees. I came in not really knowing all it took to create a gallon of clean water or clean up a gallon of wastewater, and I learned a heck of a lot. Yes, I am moving out of the area and have to give this up, but I enjoyed thoroughly and I learned a lot, the folks in this room were very kind to me and explained things which I appreciate.”

Malmsberry will be succeeded by Craig Fehr who was officially appointed to fill the remainder of Malmsberry’s term which will expire Dec. 31, 2030. Prior to the conclusion of Thursday’s meeting Fehr was administered his oath of office by Dickey.

The utilities commission will meet next 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at the wastewater treatment plant.