Gardner asks Fayette council to purchase guns

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer

Newly hired Fayette Police Chief Brad Gardner was at Monday's meeting asking the City Council to approve the purchase of two guns. 

  Gardner said he acquired bids for a patrol shotgun and an AR-15 patrol rifle, because it is adjustable for use by both him and Officer Sierra Fox.

Although the department had owned three M-16s that were received through grants, those guns were given to other departments. Former police chief Dusty Dunn transferred ownership of the guns to the Maquoketa and Forest City police departments. 

Gardner said he inquired about making grant applications, but there is a minimum one-year waiting list. 

Davis Firearms Specialist had the best offer on both guns the department seeks, quoting $525 for one and $1,010 for the other.

Councilmember Todd Sorensen asked why the existing rifle in the department was designated “subpar” and suggested perhaps the rifle could be upgraded.

Councilmember Patty Nefzger asked if the department even needs a patrol rifle. Sorensen asked if it would be adequate to just call in the sheriff's office for backup.

Gardner said he would recommend a patrol rifle for the department. He said if there is an incident, "Our number one concern is going to be containment of a suspect before backup gets here. To do that, we need a patrol rifle." He said the gun is more precise than an M-16.

The chief also said he spoke with the Clermont police chief, who is an instructor at the Law Enforcement Academy, and he has agreed to certify both Gardner and Officer Fox the same day, which he expects would be soon after Fox completes the Academy on Aug. 9. 

The council approved the chief's purchase of the rifle, but took no action on approving its purchase of a shotgun.

In new business, the council discussed but took no action on a resident's request to waive an assessment for water line repairs.

Joe Flores has requested the City waive a $1,458 fee for repairing a water line that was assessed to his property taxes last December. City Waterworks Director Jerry Hildebrand said the line is the property owner's responsibility, but the water leak is not on the property owner's meter. 

Flores was notified a month ago that water is again leaking from the line, and he was asked to have it repaired as there is water loss. Hildebrand and City Administrator Christie Dennis said it's their understanding Flores has arranged to have the repairs made in the next week.

Dennis reported that a rec trail construction meeting was held July 9 and that work on the trail is progressing.

The council heard an update that Robert Manderfield's home, earlier cited as a nuisance, is slated to be demolished July 24-25.

Councilman Brian Frana and Mayor Bill Dohrmann were absent from Monday's meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Doug McReynolds presided.

There will be a closed session regarding personnel at 6:30 p.m., prior to the next council meeting on Monday, Aug. 5. The regular meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.