Council Hears Complaints Regarding Goodman Police Chief

Residents packed Goodman City Hall July 15 to hear several complaints against Police Chief Curt Drake.

Mayor Greg Richmond recognized Max Mace, who was visibly upset regarding another dog attacking his grandchild's dog. Mace stated that his daughter had called 911 and was under the impression that Drake would come to her house to handle the situation and take a report.

However, according to Mace, Drake didn't show up and after two hours of waiting, Mace decided to go to Drake's house to see why he hadn't responded.

"I said some not very nice things along the lines of; So you're still here sitting on your ---" Mace said. "And he told me to get the ---- off his property, which I did and told him I'd see him at the council meeting."

The mayor asked Drake to tell his side of the story.

"I received a call from dispatch about the incident," Drake said. "I called and spoke to his daughter, Crystal, and told her a complaint needed to be made against the owner whose dog was at large. I was under the impression she was going to call me back and I wasn't asked to respond. She never did call me back."

Drake indicated that he had worked his regular shift and was off duty when dispatch called. He felt he could handle the issue over the phone without incurring additional wages from the city.

At some point an agreement was made between the two parties and the owners of the offending dog agreed to pay the veterinarian bill for the injured dog.

Mace understood his daughter to say that Drake was out of the office, but when he came back, he would come by.

Alderman Keith Kohley asked Mace, "If Curt came to your house and talked to you the way you said you talked to him, how would you react?"

The issue seemed to subside when Mace went on to discuss the issue of children riding skateboards on city sidewalks. Drake indicated he responded to a similar call at the bank and spoke with the children.

The next topic in citizen business was another citizen complaint against the police chief regarding an incident at the local Casey's store.

Danny Edwards and other Casey employees wanted to air their concern over the response time and the actions of Drake once he arrived to handle an incident at the store.

The incident began when a young man allegedly stole his mother's checks and attempted to write a check at Casey's. However, the mother had alerted the store, so the staff did not accept it.

An employee called 911 while the suspect was trying to leave. Another Casey's employee followed the suspect out. At that point the first employee came out while the suspect was shouting for people to get away from the car. The suspect raced off, reportedly hitting one of the employees, requiring EMS to be called to transport her to the hospital. The suspect returned after his mother contacted him, but Drake did not arrest him.

In the midst of all the hysteria, the 911 dispatcher tried to call the police chief's phone, but got no response. Dispatch then called the store to make sure that everyone was OK. According to Edwards, Drake stated that if a number shows up unknown on his phone, he blocks those numbers.

Edwards expressed concern that Drake was not always accessible by phone in emergencies.

Drake responded that dispatch knows that his phone blocks unknown numbers and that they can call from a certain number to get him. He went on to state that he repeatedly gets spam calls day and night, so he just started blocking all unknown numbers.

Edwards stated he didn't understand why Drake didn't arrest the suspect on the spot. But according to Drake, the mother refused to press charges and without statements from others, he had no probable cause to hold him.

The employee who was hit by the car was extremely upset and because she was transported to the hospital, no statement was taken at that time.

Once again the mayor asked Drake's side of the story and he only would state there is an active investigation and he now had several witness statements.

Edwards concluded by stating that he felt that more should have been done the day the incident occurred.

Other Business

The council expected to hear from representatives regarding property targeted for clean-up, but neither party was in attendance. Kohley stated that he had spoken with Mike Davis and that they have been working on the property.

Other council members noted that they had observed progress at the Kramburg properties and were willing to give the family more time.

The mayor opened the lone bid for the paving projects in the city, which was submitted by Swift Construction in the total amount of $58,669.45. The restructuring of the fire department entrance totaled $10,975 and was included in the city's total. The council approved the bid.

The council approved the second reading of the childcare-center code changes.

The topic of a cost of living ordinance for increase on the water/sewer bills was tabled until David Brodie, city supervisor, discussed the issue with Missouri Rural Water Association for input on how best to adjust the rates fairly.

The mayor opened two bids for replacing doors at the police and emergency management offices, as well as, repairs to the sewer plant roof. The council approved the bid from L and M Construction in the amount of $3,900.75.

It was announced that the citywide garage sale will be held on Aug. 2. Paula Brodie, city clerk, reminded the council that a family reunion for Lilly Jean Igisomar is planned for Aug. 2-3, however, she has not submitted the required application.

The council decided to draft suggestions for employee policy changes regarding vacation and compensation time. The suggestions will be presented at the next meeting.

Department Reports

Drake passed out his monthly report to the council noting that total calls were down, but that citations issued were up.

David Brodie reported that the compressor at the sewer treatment plant had a blown head and fortunately they had a back-up compressor. However, they now have no back-up and the plant can't run without a compressor.

He estimated that a new head would cost close to $300. The council approved the purchase.

Paula Brodie reported that she had ordered a new printer/scanner combo that would allow the office to scan documents directly into city programs.

She also pointed out that both the modem and router had quit, prompting her to purchase new ones to maintain office operations.

The council approved payment of bills, including transfers, in the amount of $38,410.10

Community on 07/24/2014