Concordia City Commission Approves Purchase of Replacement Patrol Vehicle for Concordia PD
The Concordia City Commission approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford Explorer as a replacement police patrol vehicle for the Concordia Police Department from Farm Country Ford of Concordia in the amount of $47,154.22 during their regular meeting on Wednesday, March 16th.
The Police Department is replacing a 2014 Chevrolet Impala with 78,808 miles. Chief of Police Ric Fredrickson says the vehicle has had radiator, air conditioning, power steering and electrical issues and is no longer being used on patrol because of its undependability. The city intends to dispose of the vehicle through public auction.
The new 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Explorer, which should arrive in about six months, is fully outfitted and ready for patrol use. The warranty is 3-year, 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, and 5-year, 60,000 mile engine, powertrain and transmission. The equipment installation will be warrantied for a year.
In other action, the Concordia City Commission voted to approve a resolution setting the public hearing date for May 4, 2022 for the condemnation of a structure at 717 Olive Street. This structure was damaged by a fire in January and the city received insurance proceeds of $6,645.00.
The commission also approved a resolution setting the public hearing date for May 4, 2022 for the condemnation of the structure at 429 W. 8th Street. Bruno Rehbein, Building Inspector, said this structure has become very blighted over the last few years and is a danger. Rehbein says he has sent two or three courtesy letters to the owners over the last few years with no response.
The condemnation process allows the city to force action on an abandoned property, but often times the city ends up with the costs of demolition and it is rarely recovered with abandoned properties.
The commission approved the appointment of Lori Lowell and Alisha Sipe to serve four-year terms on the Frank Carlson Library Board of Trustees, beginning on May 1st. Lowell and Sipe replace Maria Jindra and Shane Haug who have both completed their second terms on the Library Board and are not eligible for re-appointment.
The commission also met in three Executive Sessions. The commission held a 20-minute Executive Session for Confidential Business Data with City Manager Amy Lange, City Attorney Justin Ferrell and John Laeger. A 10-minute Executive Session for Confidential Business Data was held with Lange and Ferrell. And the commission held a 15-minute Executive Session for Attorney/Client Privilege with Lange and Ferrell.
During her Manager's Report, Lange said new Director of Public Works Fuller Bates will officially begin his work on Monday, March 21st. Lange says Bates' broad experience in the construction industry and tenure with the City Parks Department will serve residents well.
Brown Grand Theatre Executive Director Melissa Swenson presented their annual report to the Concordia City Commission Wednesday night.
The Brown Grand Theatre hosts dozens of local organizations and brings live entertainment to the area for everyone to enjoy. Events and performances take place year-round at the historic venue.
Swenson said 2021-2022 season ticket sales are over $15,500, while they have had 15 rentals from outside organizations or vendors and had over 550 visitors for historic tours.
The Brown Grand Theatre also had the historic replica of the Napoleon curtain restored in September 2021 and new exterior security lighting was added to the east breezeway and alley, along with numerous other projects to the city-owned facility.
Swenson said they received 11 grants totaling over $48,500 and raised nearly $29,000 for underwriting for the 2021-2022 season.