Meredosia looking for new police chief
Shirley Bilyeu For the Journal-Courier
The Meredosia Village Board is seeking applications for a new police chief to replace Curtis Williams.
Williams, who was arrested Dec. 8 on domestic battery and aggravated assault charges, resigned his post in February and pleaded guilty March 7 to the misdemeanor charges. He was accused of shoving Sherrie B. Gilbert, placing a gun to the back of her head and threatening to shoot her.
The board will advertise the position and accept applications until April 15. The police committee then will meet to interview candidates chosen from the applicants.
Board members already have interviewed three qualified applicants for an open village employee position.
In other business, an Environmental Protection Agency audit of the village found the village's water plant non-compliant. The village must buy a new generator for the plant at an estimated cost of $40,000 to meet EPA standards.
Board member Steve Staake suggested that the village's employee handbook needs to be revised, specifically sections on the employee code of conduct and wording regarding employee vacations. Staake and board members Ernie Gregory and Rob Ransom will form a committee to look at making the changes.
A resolution for street maintenance was passed.
Board members also approved the purchase of a new lift station pump for South Green Street.
Resident Bruce Schwalb addressed the board about getting funding for emergency flood control before the Illinois River floods. Mayor David Werries said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must first do a study before the village can pursue funding.