Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

An additional police officer for the city of Wyoming was unanimously approved at the council meeting Monday.

Approval came at the recommendation of Police Chief Tony Pangal and City Administrator Jill Teetzel.

Bryan Graham was one of three officers on a short list presented in late summer. Concerns were expressed by CM Sandy Standridge and Lynn Koalska who knew little about the candidate.

However, council members expressed overall confidence in Pangalís judgment in the selection.

Standridge asked when council approval was given to pursue the psychological evaluation and physical for the officer. Koalska was concerned that the council knew little about the candidate except his name.

Teetzel reviewed the timetable and process for the group, but said she had not prepared information to refresh memories about qualifications. Questioned by CM Ted Phillips, Pangal said all the background checks were satisfactory and the candidate is experienced.

Because Pangal handled some aspects of the screening, the process was expedited. He said there is ìno control (over the amount of time) when the background check is done by an outside source.î

Mayor Vern Haag focused on the impact on the cityís budget. It has not been set for 2005.

Making the decision now, sets parts of the budget and ìtakes away choices and options,î the mayor said.

About $13,000 remains of a COPS (federal) grant to be applied toward salary for Graham.

Standridge wanted to be certain Graham ìknows the position may be temporary,î until the anticipated return of Officer Tom Sonnen, from military duty.

Haag said he wants to be certain funds are earmarked for the new officer. Teetzel said Graham can begin training in the city and county offices, but will not be working on the street until he is sworn in.

Pangal emphasized the position has been open for two years. Pay for the new officer will begin at $16.54 an hour. Graham will attend the meeting Monday, Dec. 20 to be sworn in.

Hittner appointed

Council members voted unanimously to appoint Bob Hittner as an interim council member to fill the position recently vacated by Martin English.

Based on a review of his credentials Teetzel recommended the appointment. English resigned due to poor health.

Hittner is currently a member of cityís planning commission and has extensive experience on the park board, including five years as chairman.

In addition he has worked on the Wyoming Consolidation Study and Planning and Land Use Committee. He earned a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in mathematics with an emphasis in computer science.

Council members said they were glad to welcome him aboard. Hittner will be sworn in at the Dec. 20 meeting.

Tax meeting Dec. 13

In other business, council:

ïReminded city residents that the continuation of the Truth in Taxation public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13 at city hall.

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