Dierks Police Chief discusses Computer aided dispatch system at City council meeting
Monday night, Dierks Police Chief John McKee informed the Dierks City Council that the county, the city of Nashville and fire departments throughout the county were switching to a Computer aided dispatch system or CAD for short. He said the total cost would be in the neighborhood of $150,000 and the city of Dierks portion would be $17,000.
McKee said he was writing a grant to replace the department’s current radio equipment. He said he was looking at a digital compatible radio that would work with the CAD system. He also said he had applied for a grant through Weyerhauser for tasers.
McKee also informed the council that he was changing the department’s ride-along program. He said most people become police officers after participating in a ride-along program. He said the department’s new policy states that all participates must be at least 20 years of age and have an employment application completed with the Dierks Police Department.
Assistant Fire Chief Chase Quinn informed the council that engine 1 is currently being repaired and that engine 2 has some issues. He said engine 2 has only passed a pumper test once since 2018. He suggested the city sell engine 2 and purchase another truck. Quinn said they city is required to have two fire trucks to maintain it’s current ISO rating.
Quinn said they have applied for several grants and are waiting to hear if they have been approved.Mayor Ronnie Cogburn informed the council that the Arkansas Department of Health has issued the city citations for 13 water system violations. He said the city needs to replace some screens and waterproof seals on pipe stands and water towers.
Cogburn said two of the violations have been repaired. However, he said it would cost $30,200 to complete the list. Council members voted to transfer the funds from the city’s water depreciation account to the general fund to pay for the repairs. They also voted for the engineering firm of AL Franks to complete the work.
Cogburn also reported the North Howard County Rural Water account was current.
