Fayette to move forward with police chief, office

 

Fayette to move forward with police chief, officer

 

Janell Bradley
Contributing writer

 

The Fayette City Council has agreed to pursue operation of its own law enforcement by hiring a police chief.

Since the departure of Police Chief Dusty Dunn, some city leaders suggested alternatives to a City-run police department.

Monday night, Mayor Bill Dohrmann said communication from local residents suggested they want to see continuation of a police department.

Said the mayor, "We're going to have to start moving forward, whether we hire a chief or whatever we do."

Councilmember Braulic Caballero commented, "We've had a police department for many, many years. When there's controversy, it's an easy answer (to choose less enforcement to minimize complaints). I think it's good to have a police presence." 

Caballero added that parents who send their students to Upper Iowa University would most likely wish to have a police department in the town.

Councilmember Doug McReynolds said he sees no reason not to have a police department. He added that he's heard nothing but positive comments about Officer Sierra Fox's interaction with students. 

The mayor then asked the remaining three councilmembers for their opinions.

Brian Frana said, "If we don't have a police department, we won't be able to get the City penalties and issues addressed," referring to nuisance abatements, feral animals, etc.

Mayor Dohrmann agreed he was surprised at how the civil penalties contributed to the bottom line.

Councilmember Todd Sorensen said he opposed the suggestion for one officer and using reserve officers in place of a second law enforcement official. "We need to have a police department," he said, believing two officers could possibly be managed by an official from another department.

Patty Nefzger said she favors a department "as long as it's properly run and the officers work with the community."

After the meeting, Nefzger said as a follow-up to the last council meeting, she checked and Officer Brent Parker would supervise Fox after she is certified with her weapon. She said Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy Shad Roys said weapon certification would require about a week's time and 800 rounds of ammunition.

The council on Monday said it hopes to meet with Oelwein Police Chief Jeremy Logan at a work session April 15. At that time, they would hope to enter into an agreement in which Logan and a panel of other officers would conduct the search and interviews for a police chief for Fayette. The cost for the service could range from $4,500 to $7,000.

City Administrator Christie Dennis updated the council on changes within the police department since the chief's departure. Mayor Dohrmann inquired with the Cresco Police Department about its interest in purchasing the City's K-9 vehicle insert/carrier and other dog supplies.

In other business, the City officially purchased the house at 215 S. Main Street on Monday and had the water shut off. 

The City continues to proceed with enforcing the demolition of the Manderfield house.

A public hearing was held regarding continued funding for the Fayette Facade Improvement Program. Casey Mai was present from Upper Explorerland. He noted that the project is 80 percent complete, and most of the 21 facades involved have seen extensive work done. 

Through Jan. 8, expenditures from the Community Development Block Grant were $270,162. Remaining work includes cleaning and restoring trim, replacing doors and windows and installing blade signs. The only property on which construction hasn't begun is City Hall. The final completion date has been extended from April 30 to July 31. The contract price hasn't changed from $851,600.

In further business, the council:

• Approved a payment of $24,130 to Matt Construction.

• Appointed McCauli Pirillo to the ambulance service.

• Renewed Triple J Mart's beer permit.

• Noted that Fayette Appreciation Day is April 7 and the townwide garage sales are Friday and Saturday, April 26-27.

The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, April 15.

 
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