Weiser council approves new city attorney


Reece Hrizuk
By: 
Philip A. Janquart
The Weiser City Council unanimously approved Reece Hrizuk (Riz-ick) as the City of Weiser’s next attorney during a regular May 13 meeting.
 Hrizuk was one of four attorneys asked by Mayor Randy Hibberd to submit applications for the position following the unexpected death of attorney Dan Chadwick.
 Chadwick, 73, had been hired in February 2024, but passed away suddenly of cancer in early April, according to a May 18 report by the Argus Observer.
 Weiser Mayor Randy Hibberd said, “He didn’t even know he had cancer until late March.”
 Chadwick passed away April 23, according to an obituary published online by the Cremation Society of Idaho.
 He had served the City of Payette and as the City of New Plymouth’s attorney since 2018. 
 “I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Dan,” wrote New Plymouth City Clerk Marianne Gatchell in an email to the Argus Observer. “He was a man full of passion for the laws of city governance and doing things right, his knowledge of the laws of government were vast. 
 “He had such a great wit about him. I can’t remember a time where he didn’t greet me with a ‘Hey there kiddo.’ I will miss him and the wonderful presence he was. My prayers are with his wife, Michele, and his family. The city of New Plymouth is grateful for his service as our city attorney.”
 City Councilwoman Eileen Balcer added, “Dan was a lot of things, but most of all he was a friend that was devoted to supporting the City of New Plymouth. He was beyond committed in his ability to navigate the complex legal issues which allowed him to quickly present legal positions aiding the directions of the mayor and city council. Dan was a friend to all and will be sorely missed. His compassion and support will always be in our memory.”
 Hrizuk, of Fruitland, apparently beat out a local attorney for the position in Weiser. Hibberd said of the four he requested to submit applications, two responded by the May 10 deadline.
 “Of the two, I would recommend that we go with Reece Hrizuk in Fruitland,” he said. “He is a graduate of Gonzaga University, had been practicing law in Fruitland since 2012, mainly in family law, but also on land matters.”
 Hrizuk sat on the Fruitland City Council for seven years, according to Hibberd who added that he is in his fourth year as a Payette County Commissioner.
 “He is very familiar with P&Z (planning and zoning), very familiar with open meeting laws and, in visiting with him, I think he would probably be our best bet,” adding that, “We really need to have an attorney at this time; there are several issues that we need to advise on.”
 Hibberd explained that the city attorney is an appointed position that he nominates, with the council either approving or denying the appointment.
 A motion was made and seconded, with the council unanimously approving Hrizuk. All that remains is Hrizuk accepting the job.
 

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