Police Present Quarterly Activity and Animal‑Control Data; Council Allocates Insurance Proceeds for Replacement Patrol Vehicle

Chief Steve Stevens presented quarterly statistics for February through April and highlighted staffing changes, training achievements and rising call volumes as the city moves into peak season for reservoir visitors.

Stevens said the department recently hired three officers and two dispatch staff members with prior law‑enforcement experience, including at least one Army veteran; he noted ongoing staffing shortfalls of two patrol and two dispatch positions with five applicants in process. Stevens reported calls for service increased from 1,086 in February to 1,316 in March and 1,519 in April, and said phone call volumes and animal‑control calls have also risen with the onset of summer.

Animal control calls were reported at 28 in February, 56 in March and 62 in April. Citations recorded in the quarter were 239 in February, 261 in March and 273 in April. Arrests were 40 in February, 58 in March and 57 in April. Stevens also described K‑9 team certifications and training activities and described department participation in regional conferences and standards training.

Dr. Smith told council that one patrol vehicle involved in a fall accident was being repaired when a structural issue was discovered and the insurer declared the vehicle totaled. The insurance proceeds will be paid to the city; the chief and city manager asked council to authorize allocation of up to $34,900 in insurance proceeds to purchase a replacement vehicle of similar style so the department can reuse existing equipment mounts and radios.

A council motion to allocate the insurance proceeds not to exceed $34,900 to purchase a replacement vehicle passed by voice vote. Council directed staff to pursue available local dealership and auction options to obtain a lightly used vehicle with a compatible body style so existing equipment can be reinstalled.