Applications on hand for new police chief

Members of the Aledo City Council learned July 6 five applications had been received for the office of chief of police. Current Chief J. Michael Sponsler announced his retirement late last month.

During the Committee of the Whole meeting, the council was told the five applications, including two from Illinois, as well as one each from Louisiana, Arizona and Tennessee, were on hand by the day of the meeting.

City Administrator Robert Mahrt said the deadline for applications is July 24. He said "at the minimum," he, committee chairs, City Clerk Jarod Dale and Mayor Chris Hagloch will meet to "whittle the numbers down."

In the statement of his retirement, Sponsler said the intention is for the new chief of police to be chosen and ready to start in early September.

In other business, an Aledo firm was the lowest of three bidders July 6 for street and sidewalk improvements at the intersection of North College Avenue and NW Second Street.

3-D Concrete Inc.'s bid of $173,444 was selected by the Aledo City Council. Director of Public Works and Utilities Justin Blaser said the city's 2015 budget included $225,00 for the work. Bids were opened July 2. Other bids were submitted by Brandt Construction, Milan, $181,425, and Valley Construction, Rock Island, $234,789.

In other action, the council approved the appointment of Patti Mitchell as Deputy Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer. City Clerk Jarod Dale is the city's FOIA officer. The City Council also approved $400 for signage at the Aledo Park District's Northside ball diamond. The item was tabled at an earlier meeting but was removed from the table during the meeting.