New full-time police officer Ryan Wittenauer takes the oath of office from Dave McNally of the Police & Fire Commission during the city council meeting on Feb. 20. (Reporter photo)

MENDOTA – Mendota Police Chief Tom Smith announced his intention to retire at the Mendota City Council meeting on Feb. 20.

Smith’s retirement will be effective on Feb. 20, 2019. He has been the police chief in Mendota since Dec. 1, 1997. He started his law enforcement career in 1975 with the Schaumburg Police Department.

Smith said he can look back on his time as the Mendota police chief as his fondest period in the profession.

“This has been the most rewarding part of my career,” noted Smith. “This is the best police department, not because of me, but because of the police officers. We are an award-winning police department.

“I am very proud of every police officer that has ever worked at this department, and I am very proud to be a part of this police department and community.”

ALDERMANIC REPORTS

Alderman Walt Weiland issued a reminder to residents of Mendota to make sure their sump pump is in working order during this time of excess water because of snow melt and rainfall. He also advised citizens to call the city hall or police department if they see flooding in their street, and not assume someone else has called.

Alderman Bill Hunt said all of the downtown cameras should be fully operational this week.

During alderman Randy Morris’s report, the council approved a Class C liquor license for Uncle Joe’s Gaming Café, which will be located at 900 Washington St.

Alderman Kyle Kim introduced Chief Smith, who then announced that Ryan Wittenauer has become a full-time officer with the Mendota Police Department. Dave McNally of the Police & Fire Commission issued the oath of office. Wittenauer has been a part-time officer the past two years. “He is a great asset to the police department,” stated Smith.

OTHER ITEMS

In other action, the council approved the bid of SKI Seal Coating & Maintenance for Phase I of the project of extending water and sewer lines across I-39 to the site of the ADM Flour Mill facility. The bid, which was one of eight submitted, was in the amount of $1,057,476. The bid was more than $235,000 under the engineer’s estimate. SKI is a subsidiary of Universal Asphalt & Excavating of LaSalle.

Mayor David Boelk issued a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month in Mendota.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m.