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Silvis welcomes new police chief; mayor cites staffing changes and urges decorum
Summary
The council welcomed newly sworn Police Chief Gene Karzin and heard mayoral remarks about staff turnover and a 4th Ward vacancy; Mayor Bob Cervantes urged council members to avoid social‑media attacks while the city fills a vacant ward seat.
Silvis — At the Jan. 6, 2026 Regular meeting, the Silvis City Council welcomed Police Chief Gene Karzin, who said he has spent the past 36 hours meeting supervisors and learning department systems.
"For the last 36 hours I have been here, thank you for your confidence in me," Karzin said, noting he expected a learning curve but appreciated council support.
Fire Chief Dave Johnson reported on a recent structure fire response and thanked mutual‑aid partners from East Moline, Hampton and Carbon Cliff for their assistance. Inspections staffer Tom announced his retirement effective Jan. 30 and said Real Leaf Botanical will begin greenhouse operations; Public Works/Parks director Joe Rockwell said new dump trucks are expected mid‑January but explained the city is paying lease installments while the vehicles are being outfitted by the vendor.
Mayor Bob Cervantes, in his first full calendar year as mayor, welcomed Chief Karzin and asked council members to avoid public name‑calling, particularly on social media, because public disputes reflect poorly on the city. He also said the council has 60 days to appoint a replacement for the outgoing 4th Ward aldermanial seat (Josh Dyer is no longer in the post).
What’s next: Staff will continue onboarding the new police chief; Tom’s retirement will trigger an inspections staffing process; the mayor indicated a 60‑day window to fill the 4th Ward vacancy.
