The Centralia City Council Tuesday night approved a revised organizational chart for the Police Department.
City Manager Kory Smith explained the changes.
“This is going to eliminate a Sargeant position while at the same time increasing the lieutenant position so with this approval we will have 3 lieutenants and 4 sergeants. So those Lieutenants will be over our operations, administration, and investigations. So it’s going to streamline the effectiveness of our police department.”
Sergeant Joe Rizzo will be sworn in as the new Lieutenant on October 17th. Rizzo will be in charge of the investigative unit. Lieutenant Steve Whritenour will be in charge of administration and Lieutenant Jamie James will be in charge of operations.
The city council also moved forward on improvements to Sunset Drive. Smith says one resolution will provide $250,000 in motor fuel tax funds for engineering while the second awards a $54,500 contract to Gonzalez Companies to perform design engineering as well as construction engineering services.
“Road improvements planned for approximately .5 miles long of Sunset Drive from West 7th north. This will include roadway reconstruction of concrete pavement, curb, gutter, storm sewer, and any other miscellaneous items to finish the project.”
The council continued an agreement with Metro-Ag, Inc. for the removal and transportation of liquid sludge from the wastewater treatment plant for injection into nearby farm fields.
The council also approved a $42,707 bid from Missouri Machinery and Engineering Company to replace a rusted-out transfer pump at the water treatment plant.
The council approved the sale of vacant properties at 916 East Second, 1107 South Poplar, 316 West McCord, and lot 16 of the 3rd addition of Raccoon Lake to the highest bidder which were all over the minimum bid.
The council okayed the Mayor’s appointment of Bunny Garrett to the Plan and Zoning Commission.
Members of the council and Mayor Bryan Kuder commended the work of all those involved in Celebration Centralia which was held last Saturday night.
