ENM Police Chief search begins - again

By Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

At its Thursday, May 27, meeting the Elko New Market City Council approved a new search for the city's police chief as the top candidate Kevin O'Neill withdrew. O'Neill, a police officer with the Lakeville Police Department, had accepted a conditional offer with Elko New Market in April.

Elko New Market City Administrator Tom Terry said O'Neill gave no reason for withdrawing. He was among the finalists for the position out of 27 applicants. Terry requested the search since an alternate choice had not been made.

Terry also recommended that the city have a starting salary offer of between $73,000 to $79,000, depending on a candidate's qualifications. The council approved the offer.

The city's estimated time line is to have candidates to interview by Wednesday, June 23 with the council to interview top candidates by July 12. It is hoped a job offer will be made by August with the new chief to begin in September.

Hazard Mitigation Plan

The council also adopted the Scott County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Scott County Emergency Management Director Chris Weldon explained to the council the plan helps with flooding or other disasters. Various communities and districts have their versions of the plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Homeland Security usually approve such plans. Scott County and the majority of its communities have already approved its plan.

He noted a benefit with the plan is that cities will be notified when grants are available for updating equipment used during disasters.