Council updates: police accreditation commitment, retail‑recruitment outreach and storm response praise

Council updates at the meeting covered several administrative items: a commitment to pursue accreditation for the police department, retail‑recruitment work with an outside consultant, and recognition of city crews for emergency response after heavy storms.

Councilmember Paul Wood announced the city has entered a commitment with the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program; accreditation typically takes about three years, he said, and the process evaluates police policies and practices against recognized standards for evidence custody, use of force, prisoner transport and other procedures. Wood said the program is a “checks and balances system” intended to align local practice with state and national best practices.

Separately, staff reported a productive meeting with a retail recruitment consultant to develop a marketing plan and a target list of desired businesses (sit‑down restaurants, grocery options) and to begin outreach to developers and brokers.

Several council members praised city staff — electric utilities, public works and other crews — for their rapid response to a recent severe storm and extensive rainfall. One council member recounted a downed power pole being secured within an hour after a resident complaint and thanked crews for restoring service quickly.

Ending: staff will proceed with the accreditation process with the police department, continue retail‑recruitment outreach using the consultant’s plan, and maintain storm‑response improvements; no formal council vote was required on these items at the meeting.