(Spirit Lake)– Acting Spirit Lake Police Chief Jeff Hanson was officially given the job permanently at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Hanson is a graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College, the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and Bellvue College.
He says his first goal will be to foster better interaction between the Police Department and the community.
Hanson’s appointment as Police Chief by Mayor Eric Nielsen was approved by the council, but the vote wasn’t unanimous. Councilperson Barb Ricke voted no. Jerry Harbst, Kevin Bice and former Police Chief Duane Yager voted yes. Councilman Jeff Thee wasn’t present.
Another ongoing police matter was on the agenda–disclosing terms of an out-of-court settlement with two former officers. Doug Ricke and Larry Moorehead sued the city, but their cases were settled before a trial. Many citizens of Spirit Lake want to know what the terms of the settlement were, but City Attorney Earl Maahs says the city cannot disclose that information without the consent of the individuals involved–Ricke, Moorehead, and former Police Chief Jon Martyr. In a letter to city officials that was provided to KUOO news, Ricke says he has no problem making the documents public. There’s been no word yet from Moorehead, Martyr, or their attorneys. The city council Tuesday again indicated they’d release the information if all three individuals give their written consent. Councilman Kevin Bice said he thinks it’s the council’s duty to divulge the information, and that the public has the right to know how much of their tax money was spent.
