By Jolene Farley
After 19 years as a city councilman and clerk Cornelius Bosch, Steen, submitted his resignation, effective April 1, to the Steen City Council Monday.
Bosch and his wife, Darlene, sold the home they built in Steen 52 years ago and plan to move to Luverne.
Steen mayor Mel Van Batavia said Bosch will be missed in the community. "I know he does stuff we don't even know he does," he said. "He just does it, a lot of little things."
"I do all the little odds and ends," said Bosch. "You got to work with the people in town and with the county auditorÕs office. If you have a question you just call them. They are really good."
The next month will be a learning experience for BoschÕs replacement, Robert Sandbulte, according to Van Batavia. Bosch is training Sandbulte to take over the duties he performed as clerk. Sandbulte was appointed at Monday's meeting.
"I told him (Cornie) to write it all down," said Van Batavia.
The usual duties for a city clerk include taking the minutes at meetings and preparing meeting agendas, according to Van Batavia.
But over the years, Bosch has taken on many more tasks. He reads the water meters in town if needed. He keeps the recycling shed clean. He gathers the necessary city water samples and sends them to the Environmental Protection Agency and completes any reports.
He visits the Rock County Auditor when Steen sets its tax levy. He reviews the city books with the County Auditor once a year. He visits the city attorney if the city needs any legal work done.
Bosch even planted flowers in the flowerpots on Main Street in Steen and tended them all summer long, with help from his wife and others, according to Van Batavia.
Van Batavia said Bosch made his job as mayor easier. "He made sure everything got done," he said.
"I've always had a good council to work with... cooperative and good to work with," said Bosch.
Van Batavia said the search for a replacement for Bosch was lengthy. BoschÕs replacement had to be available for city business during the day.
Sandbulte fits the bill because his shift as a rural mail carrier ends in the afternoon, according to Van Batavia.
"It's astounding, in this little bitty town, how much work it is to keep it going," Van Batavia said.
Bosch said he won't miss the work, with the added bookwork and regulations these days, but he will miss the people he works with.
"I've enjoyed the job," he said. "In a way it's a challenge, and in a way it's a good experience.