Council OKs new police devices

REDKEY — Police will be getting new equipment.

Redkey Town Council OK’d town marshal Chris Jack to purchase body cameras and new radios at its meeting Tuesday.

Council also discussed concerns about not being able to use the county’s police software system and heard new council member Jenny Staver has been looking into proposals to renovate the Redkey Morgan Park.

Jack explained that Redkey police previously used two portable radios loaned to them by Portland Police Department. When Jack became town marshal last month, he continued, Portland police asked for Redkey police to return the radios.

Regarding cameras, Jack talked about the importance of recording police interactions for transparency, as well as to aid in disciplinary and legal issues.

“I’m really trying to push this department to not be the laughing stock of the county, to be a professional department,” he said. “That’s the direction I want to take it, is these guys are going to be held to a higher standard of professionalism.”

Jack said the body cameras are from Axon, and the portable radios are from Kenwood. He noted the radios don’t have access to the VHF (very high frequency) system, which would be an additional cost, and referred to them “mid-grade” pieces.

 Responding to a question from council president Brenda Beaty, Jack said he also purchased dash cameras for police vehicles using his own money.

The equipment total comes to $21,182.72, or $4,010.24 annually for the next five years. 

Council discussed paying for the cost out of the Local Option Income Tax fund, which Jack said is designated for public safety.  

Council agreed to purchase the equipment, with “Watermellon” Jim Phillips, Beaty and Staver in favor and Floyd Life abstaining. Dave Dudelston was not in attendance at the time of the vote.

Also, council heard about issues with Redkey police officers utilizing the county’s police records system through Spillman Technologies. Jack said he and the other town officers have completed training and still do not have access to the system, which he said was previously used by Redkey. 

He aired complaints about Jay County Sheriff Ray Newton’s treatment of the issue. He also said Redkey officers currently can’t run license plates for traffic stops without the system.

Town attorney Maura Hoff noted she has relayed concerns to the county attorney regarding the problem and has not yet heard back.

Among other police updates, Jack said he has opted into a volunteer chaplain program with local pastor and Redkey resident Steve Arnold, who said he has served as a chaplain with Jay County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Police Department for about seven years.

Beaty also noted Jack and officer Alex Heath have been looking into grants for the department, with Jack pointing out the department received a rifle shield donation from the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Also, council was reminded Jack begins training at Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on May 5.

Council also heard Staver has approached playground vendors Sinclair Recreation and Miracle Playgrounds of Indiana for potential work to be completed at Redkey Morgan Park.

Hopes are to completely renovate the park, installing all-inclusive playgrounds for all ages and abilities. The new play sets would include activities for children with sensory processing disorders, among other items. Staver also shared plans to remove the old concession building and replace it with a splash pad.

She said she’s looking into grants to help pay for the project. She’s also hoping to host events and start a GoFundMe page to make her dream a reality.

Staver asked for input from the community as she develops plans. She noted that if the project is completed, she would like security cameras to be installed around the park.

Also Tuesday, Dudelston shared copies of a statement he presented to town personnel and The Commercial Review before the meeting. He asked Hoff at the beginning of the meeting to read the statement, with Hoff and Beaty noting it was not on the agenda.

The discussion devolved into an argument, with Dudelston leaving shortly after. 

Dudelston’s statement, although not read at the meeting, responded to comments about his and Life’s absence from recent meetings. In it, he accused Beaty of starting a “witch hunt” against him and harassing him. He also shared call records and his paycheck, saying he didn’t receive calls to attend a meeting.

In other business, council members:

•OK’d installing the new water meter antenna on the town’s water tower. Beaty noted the town will sell extra meters purchased with American Rescue Plan Act dollars and old meters to help pay for the additional cost. The town has about 300 more new meters to install, with employees now resuming installation efforts.

•Agreed to give a $500 donation to A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope.

•Heard Redkey Town Hall recently had security system issues. Council approved paying a $575 bill to fix the problem.

•Tabled decision on making an appropriation for approximately $35,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars, with Hoff saying she would like to look into the issue.

•Heard from Phillips about a farmer’s market planned from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3, near Redkey Post Office.

•Held off on a decision regarding a contract for Independence Day fireworks with Redkey Fire Department until learning more information.

•Discussed but took no action on a $682 water bill adjustment, with questions surfacing about whether the fault of the leak falls on the plumber or town employees. Beaty said moving forward the town will not turn the water on at a house after a water line repair unless the residents or a plumber will be home to monitor for leaks. Hoff said she would look into policies other towns have enforced regarding the issue.

•Heard about ongoing efforts by utility worker Seth Fugiett, who is looking into replacing town signs and a hosting a fundraising event at the park, among other work.