The new cars will replace two cruisers currently used by the department that will be decommissioned. The new cars will only be used by full-time officers. Lights and striping on the new cruisers will be brought for approval by the council following the arrival of the cars.
Duchock also said that a new vehicle repair order form will be used by the police department when problems occur with any of the police cruisers. The forms will keep track of the incidents and how much money it takes to fix the vehicle. He also reported he will check into obtaining two free humvees donated by the U.S. Army for the police and fire departments for use during severe weather outbreaks.
Duchock’s efforts since being appointed Officer in Charge were commended by city council members during the meeting.
“I applaud Officer in Charge Duchock — he’s done a wonderful job for our city,” Council Member Betty Sanders said.
In other actions from the meeting:
•The creation of a dispatch supervisor position for the police department was tabled with a 6-1 vote. Hezekiah Walker, Gary Thomas, Nick Isbell, Donnie Burns, Christie Tuggle and Clyde Nix voted for tabling, Sanders voted against it.
•A motion to hire a part-time police officer and table the discussion of moving a current part-time officer to full-time passed with a 6-1 vote. Hezekiah Walker, Gary Thomas, Nick Isbell, Donnie Burns, Christie Tuggle and Clyde Nix voted for the motion, Sanders voted against it.
•The street department, city clerk, park department, police department, city bill and golf course reports were passed unanimously.
•A motion to send City Clerk Marilyn Dumpson to the AAMC Summer Conference in July passed unanimously.
•A motion to place a $500 uniform allowance for street department employees for the purchase uniforms passed unanimously. The action will eliminate the current uniform rental and the purchase of the uniforms will be made by the street department supervisor.
•Approval of the emergency repair of the main irrigation pump for the golf course passed unanimously.
•Mayor Chris Edwards reminded residents of the statewide no-burn ordinance enacted earlier in the week.
•Edwards reported that the election of the June 7 alcohol sales referendum has not been certified due to pending rule by the Board of Registrars Office on 17 provisional ballots. Once cleared by the board, the city council can certify the election and set ordinances on sale parameters.