Residents and council raise conflict-of-interest and site questions as police chief interviews set for May 29

Several residents asked the St. Helens City Council to step back from the police chief selection process and questioned the proposed location and costs for a new police station, while council members reiterated plans to proceed with candidate interviews on May 29.

Bridal Preenham, a member of the public, said the city should outsource the police chief selection process and accused council members of creating a conflict of interest by participating while a lawsuit is pending. “I think it's a process. I don't think any of you should be involved within it,” Preenham told the council.

Penny Gilbert told the council the public was “not happy” with recent zoning moves related to the police department and said the city should not build a large facility it cannot staff. Nicholas (Nick) Helmick, speaking online, warned that proposed costs for the station or related utility changes would disproportionately affect senior and vulnerable residents.

Councilor Sandeep said the council still believes a new police station is necessary but is not yet convinced the Columbia Boulevard site is the best option. He noted the selection and siting process has been under way for more than five years and that public forums have been held.

Council staff said police candidate interviews will take place May 29. No formal change to the selection process was made during the meeting; members discussed options and public concerns but took no binding action on outsourcing the hiring process or changing the station site.

Speakers raised procedural concerns, including a pending lawsuit that some commenters said should pause council involvement, but the council did not adopt a formal recusal or pause. Council members asked staff to continue with the established schedule and to report back as needed.