Marshal Wren resigns

Town Marshal Mike Wren, who has worked for the Town of Odessa for the past five years, resigned Monday morning, a move that left town officials as well as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office scrambling to cover the town’s law enforcement needs.

In a letter of resignation read to the councilmembers by Mayor Doug Plinski, Wren stated that after 23 years in law enforcement, the last 5 of them in Odessa, he felt it was “time to move on,” and gave February 27 as the effective date for his resignation.

Police report

Deputy Marshal Bryce Peterson delivered the bi-weekly police report to the council meeting.

Peterson said that an investigation into a charge of criminal solicitation for narcotics was complete, and that charges were ready to be filed with the county prosecutor.

He also reported that the department had received a couple of calls about suspicious vehicles, and added that he was glad that people “seemed to be paying attention.”

Another complaint involved four people threatened a man at his residence. A weapon was involved, and all suspects have been identified and will be charged.

On February 22 a report was received that 3 units at Sky High Mini Storage had been burglarized after thieves cut through inexpensive locks to gain access. Peterson was still waiting for loss reports from the victims.

On February 25, according to Peterson, he responded to a complaint of “egging” a house, which was followed by reciprocal egging.

Finally, Peterson reported that another search warrant was served relating to the Odessa Drug burglary of December 26. He added that police were making progress.

In other business, Plinski distributed copies of a report from USKH, the town’s contracted engineering firm, relating to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) study funded by a Quadco grant. According to Plinski, the study process is nearly complete.

Councilmembers voted to schedule a public hearing to review the study results on March 12.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Don Strebeck reported that the town’s volunteer firefighters voted at their most recent meeting to replace 4 tanks from the SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) units, using their own funds. The remaining portion of the units will be sent out for repair, which is estimated to cost from $100 - $500 each.

Public Works

Public Works Director Roger Sebesta has met with a USKH engineer regarding water tank #1, which was erected in 1949, and has been showing signs of moss growth on the sides above the waterline. Sebesta reported that the engineer was interested in applying for a grant to fund a substantial portion of a new tank.

Councilmember reports

Councilmember Frank White reported that there will be a Quadco meeting March 15, where budgets will be presented, as well as progress reports on current projects.

Councilmember Lois Harp said that she will begin looking for lifeguards. She added that she recently met with Friends of the Pool, who have plans for some good fundraisers.

Councilmember Lois Hubbard addressed plans for hiring and training a replacement for Town Clerk Linda Burghard, who will be retiring later in the year. At this point, she said, they are planning to advertise the position beginning in April, interviewing applicants beginning in May and using June, July and August as a training period. By extending the training period to three months, Hubbard added, an audit and quarterly report would be included in the training.

Hubbard also said that the new software program should make the clerk’s job easier in future.

Mayor’s report

Plinski reported that the town had received a request from the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), asking permission for the organiazation to tap in to town power at the installation site of the new reader board. It had been assumed that the panel at the corner of First Avenue and Division Street was funded by the Lions Club, but it actually belongs to the town, and provides power to streetlights on the north side of First Ave.

Plinski estimated that the cost to the town of providing power to the new digital readerboard would be approximately $10 per month, and that he believed it to be a public service, and councilmembers agreed.

Plinski also reported that the Historical Society had informed him of plans to complete the painting of St. Matthew’s Church, as well as perform some roof repair. The society has also informed the town that they intend to register the church as a historic site and begin looking for grant funding to help with maintenance.