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Police personnel changes and winter operations highlighted in council staff updates
Summary
Chief Procter announced Deputy Chief Flood's retirement effective Dec. 19 with a planned last day of Feb. 27; Sergeant Chris Parks was selected for promotion (target Feb. 24). Director Gotch briefed council on a regional salt shortage and adjusted salting strategy.
During staff updates, Chief Procter announced that Deputy Chief Flood has retired (resignation effective Dec. 19) and that the department selected Sergeant Chris Parks for promotion, with a promotion target of Feb. 24 and the deputy chief's last day set for Feb. 27. Chief Procter said the department is conducting oral boards for candidates to replace the sergeant once promoted.
Chief Procter also urged residents to drive carefully during the cold spell, noting multiple accidents he observed while traveling. "Please slow down, drive safely," he said, and advised motorists to carry basic supplies if stranded.
Director Gotch spoke about a regional salt shortage affecting municipalities and described operational changes: prioritizing salting on hills and major arterial routes, using the city's salt barn to stretch supply, and the possibility of sand/salt mixes if supplies tighten. Gotch described calibrating salt trucks and digitizing operations to track tons per mile and noted interlocal cooperation with the county to request assistance if needed.
Council members asked whether intentionally leaving a thin layer of snow helps traction and preserves markings; Director Gotch said tradeoffs exist and described conditions where sand mixes can improve traction but can also become slippery as temperatures change.
No formal action was taken; these items were informational staff updates.
