Council discusses oversight of Police Department with city attorney Legvold

At this past Monday’s meeting of the Eagle Grove City Council, members were presented a memorandum from city attorney Brett Legvold regarding the question of oversight of the City’s Police Department. It was brought to his attention that there was a lack of clarity, and Legvold stated that ultimately the language used in the City’s governing laws and rules controls the issue. “If the laws and rules are unclear or need to be improved, the Council has authority to amend it to provide for clarity and I would recommend it do so here,” said Legvold in the document. He also presented the job description for the city administrator position.

“Clarification would be good,” stated Mayor Sandy McGrath during discussion time. Councilperson Mike Weland would rather go by what the recently adopted comprehensive plan states, which puts it under the mayor’s control. In the end, the Council will have Legvold further clarify the issue and possibly prepare a proposed ordinance consolidating the oversight with either the Mayor or City Administrator.

The Council approved the second reading and waived the third on Ordinance 2017-07 regarding the division of taxes levied on taxable property in the Eagle Grove Urban Renewal Area. The Ordinance now becomes duly adopted. It directly refers to Lot 1, Block 38 of Cadwell’s First Addition and Lot 2 of the Maier Addition. The TIF funds can then be used for projects within that area.

Read the full story in the October 19 edition.