City Council hears report on local parks

Police Dept. to get new uniforms

staff
Posted 10/19/21

MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council heard a report about city parks and learned the police department will be getting new uniforms at the Oct. 18 regular council meeting.

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City Council hears report on local parks

Police Dept. to get new uniforms

Posted

By KIP CHEEK

Staff writer

MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council heard a report about city parks and learned the police department will be getting new uniforms at the Oct. 18 regular council meeting.

Police Chief Greg Kellen asked for and received the city council’s support in purchasing new uniforms for the department. The cost for the entire department will be $22,000. Kellen emphasized that the uniforms will be financed through the state drug account fund and will be at no cost to the taxpayers nor will the money come out of any budget. He said the uniforms will be of a stronger and lighter weight polyester fabric that will allow for better movement by the officers. He added that this will be the first change in uniform attire for the police department in 30 years.

Kellen also informed the council that two Dodge Durango vehicles should arrive by the end of October for department use.

ALDERMANIC REPORTS

In Vicki Johnson’s report, she thanked everyone who had a part in and attended the Re-Imagine Mendota Fall Festival event on Oct. 16 in downtown Mendota. She said it was well-attended and successful.

Also during Johnson’s report, Mendota resident Cody Phalen gave a presentation to the council about a survey he conducted in regard to the city parks. He talked about the use of parks, suggested changes and upgrades, the possibility of a dog park in Mendota and some steps going forward.

Phalen said the survey was on Facebook and he received 106 responses. The top two most used parks from the survey were Lake Mendota Park at the southeast corner of the lake and Strouss Park, also known as Purple Park, by the swimming pool. The top two parks in most need of upgrading were Lake Mendota Park on the west side of the lake and Apple Orchard Park on Third Street. He said 67 percent of respondents were in favor of a dog park.

The council expressed its appreciation for the information provided by Phalen, who said he would be willing to serve on a committee if one is formed to look at upgrades and changes to the city parks.

Jay Miller presented a request from Papa’s Burgers & Beer at 705 Washington St. for a Class G liquor license, which was approved by the council. City clerk Emily McConville added that there are no more liquor licenses available.

During John Holland’s report, the council formally accepted bids on the sale of two properties. Marilyn Hensley’s bid of $9,001.12 was approved for the property at 905 Sixth Ave. and a bid of $2,000 from Sylvia Varela was approved for 1402 Lincoln Ave.

In action from John Hessenberger’s report, the council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 340 of the Municipal Code-Fences.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor David Boelk presented a proposal to the council in regard to hiring a consulting firm for an analysis of the Mendota Fire Department. He said discussion began several months ago with the fire department and the fire commission. The council agreed to hire McGrath Consulting for the analysis at a cost of $27,925. The cost of the personnel portion of the analysis will $18,000 of which the fire department will pay $9,000.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m.