Silvis council accepts Fire Chief Winters’s resignation; department to split duties until new chief is named

The Silvis City Council on Oct. 15 approved the acceptance of Fire Chief Winters’s resignation and heard department leaders say they will divide the chief’s duties among officers until a permanent replacement is named following the election.

Alderman Dave Rice moved to approve the resignation; the motion was seconded by Alderman Doug Greer and recorded as carried by the council. Mayor Matt Carter said the department had prepared an internal plan so the city would not need an interim appointment immediately. ‘‘We are still working through the state statute on that with the interim and we have been talking to the attorney,’’ Carter said, adding that legal clarifications and compensation adjustments would be discussed at an upcoming Finance/Personnel/Ordinance meeting.

Captain Josh Fox, speaking for the firefighters, described how officers would divide the chief’s responsibilities and said the department had the experience to maintain operations during the transition. Police Chief VanKlaverren praised the departing chief for his work on regional consolidation efforts and training, saying, ‘‘You are a huge asset to the city…we will miss you.’’ Chief Winters had no report at the Oct. 15 regular meeting.

Mayor Carter said the city would address compensation for added responsibilities and that remaining payroll funds would help cover costs in the near term. Council discussion and staff reports on operational impacts followed, and council members asked staff to prepare any necessary documentation for the next committee meeting.

The council recorded the resignation approval at the Oct. 15 regular meeting; two council members were absent for the vote. The mayor said the new mayor (after the election) would participate in selecting a permanent chief and the city attorney will continue to advise on interim‑appointment legal steps.