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Gorman sworn in as police chief

Freedom Park committee seeks lease from city

By Jane Myhra


Jim Gorman was sworn in as police chief during the Manawa Common Council meeting on Dec. 21.

Several members of his family were present as Gorman was sworn in by City Clerk Cheryl Hass.

“I am ready to go to work,” Gorman said as he was welcomed by the council members.

The new chief begins his duties Jan. 1.

In other business, the council agreed to amend its 2015 budget, after holding a short public hearing.

Hass explained that the changes included transfers from one fund to another and other adjustments, with no adjustments to the total budget.

The council approved an amendment to the city’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan for the purpose of changing the Preferred Land Use Map for parcel 31-21-14-25 from conservation to light industrial.

Also approved was a resolution authorizing the withdrawal from the Local Government Property Insurance Fund.

Hass explained that the fund is losing money and the annual premium has increased from $11,000 to $23,000.

Instead, Hass said the city will insure its property with the League of Municipalities. She said it is identical coverage with a $14,000 premium.

Freedom Park
Ron Roberts and Deb Sarna, of the Manawa Area Veterans Freedom Park Committee, brought a request to the council.

They asked the city to lease the Beach Park land to the committee until the renovation is complete.

“It assists us in being able to get negotiable bids,” said Sarna.

Without the lease, the committee would be required to abide by the city’s bidding process, according to Mayor John Smith, who is also a member of the committee.

With the lease, the committee will see a cost savings of close to $5,000.

Roberts said the park renovation will be complete in about three years, depending on the success of the fundraising efforts.

The council agreed to send the request to a city committee and to include the request on the council’s next agenda.

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