Port Royal swears in two officers, approves sidewalk conveyances and awards splash-pad site work

Port Royal—s council on Feb. 11 swore in two newly appointed police officers and approved several routine but consequential council actions, including sidewalk property conveyances and a site-work contract for a splash pad.

During the meeting the chief introduced new officers Joshua Damon Kaplan and Bryce (Holdess), and Chaplain Daniel Russell administered the oath of office. Mayor Phillips and council welcomed the recruits; the chief noted they had completed academy and initial training phases.

In routine business the council approved second-reading ordinances (2026-1 through 2026-3) authorizing the town manager to convey excess real property at identified parcels to facilitate construction of sidewalks (addresses and parcel identifiers were read aloud). The council approved each ordinance by voice vote.

Council also approved staff—s recommendation to award the splash-pad site-work contract to Joco (Joka) Construction for the low qualifying bid of $117,194. A council member moved to accept the contract recommendation and the motion passed by voice vote; council discussed a future ribbon-cutting event tied to the project and noted ARPA funds as a financing source.

The mayor and council used voice votes for minutes approval and other items; the meeting concluded after council comments and a motion to adjourn.

What this means: the conveyance ordinances clear property issues that allow sidewalk construction to proceed; the splash-pad contract gives staff authority to move into site work and scheduling. Council did not provide a roll-call tally for votes recorded as "all those in favor say aye."