California has a new police chief, but it's a familiar face.
The Board of Aldermen on Monday hired interim Police Chief Shane Templeton as the full-time police chief, effective immediately.
Templeton was named interim police chief following the Jan. 31 resignation of former Chief John Hoover.
Templeton has 15 years of law enforcement experience, which includes serving with the Missouri Capital Police and the Cole County Sheriff's Department. More recently, he was a part-time police chief for Jamestown for two years.
Originally from Centertown, Templeton moved to California in 2015 to begin working for the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office. Last fall, he moved to the California Police Department.
Mayor Norris Gerhart said Templeton possesses "great leadership skills and is active in the community."
"Chief Templeton is a great asset for the city police department and the city of California," he added.
Templeton was one of three finalists interviewed for the job.
In other action Monday, the board discussed the resignation of a water department employee, who recently finished his education and will be leaving the job Thursday. The city will be looking for a replacement.
In other business, Gerhart told the board the California Chamber of Commerce is negotiating with the city to buy 32 new Christmas decorations. The decorations, which are 8 feet tall, will be displayed on Buchanan Street and run from California High School to just past Brockes Tire. The total cost of the decorations is $13,215.72. The chamber is seeking to buy the decorations in the city's name.
"We didn't realize that the shipping would be $475," Gerhart said. "So the city will be covering that cost, meaning the chamber will pay $12,740.72."
"The ornaments are in four different styles, they're in color, and they have tinsle," Gerhart said. "Tonight, one will be put out in front of Mr. G's so that the chamber can see what they look like. That's so we can see if everybody's happy with them."
The old ornaments, Gerhart said, are "either 4 or 5 feet tall."
For the next holiday season, the old ornaments which were purchased about 10 years ago, will still run along Missouri Highway 87. Electric Supervisor Tyler Dicus suggested his department add colored bulbs to the center of the previous ornaments so the center stars may stand out.