The City of California Board of Aldermen accepted the resignation of California Police Department Captain Kevin Feltrop at its Feb. 3 meeting.
Feltrop was selected to serve as captain by CPD Chief Daniel Hurt at last month's City Council meeting. Feltrop will leave the department Feb. 17. With the resignation, along with another already open officer position to be filled, the Council approved hiring for two open officer positions this month.
"I'm going to be very honest with this Council - I have been beat up by the media with the overturn in the police department," California Mayor Norris Gerhart said. "I will not answer any questions on this (matter). I'm not taking any more abuse over the turnover in the police department; this needs to stop."
Gerhart said the department needs to work to sort out any internal issues to curb turnover.
Additionally, the Council approved a number of other items on the agenda. The Council approved a motion to draft an ordinance allowing for a handicap space on the north side of the Moniteau County Public Library on Versailles Avenue.
The Council approved certificate of deposit account bids from Hawthorn Bank for 12 months at 1.61 percent interest for CD accounts maturing Feb. 13, totaling $534,890.05, and Feb. 22, totalling $1,575,692.13.
The Council approved an ordinance authorizing a data extraction contract with BECA IT to move data from its old computers to new ones.
The Council approved an ordinance renewing its standing agreement with the California Nutrition Center, in which the city contributes $5,000 toward the building's electricity in exchange for certain groups making use of the building.
The Council approved auditing services with Gerding, Korte & Chitwood, P. C., the same providers the city has had in the past.
The Council approved an ordinance that bans parking along Russellville Road.
In department reports, Electric Supervisor Tyler Dicus reported the city's voltage conversion project is complete, having taken about three weeks.
Water & Sewer Supervisor Kyle Wirts said Ameren will be starting work to redo the city's gas lines that remain without updates starting during the summer, a project that should extend into next winter.
Wastewater Supervisor Patrick Murphy said the aeration basin project remains temporarily postponed due to flow at the facility.
Along with his previous reports, Hurt asked for approval for repair to the department's 2007 Crown Victoria squad car - it needs a new engine, so the Council approved a bid from Leeper Auto Repair for a used engine at $2,200. Hurt also reported that a new officer started last Friday, and is currently out on Field Training Officer training.
The City Council's next regular meeting will take place Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m.