By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post
The Alliance City Council welcomed in the new Alliance Police Chief, Philip Lukens during the Jan. 5 meeting.
Chief Lukens started his duties with the City of Alliance on Dec. 21. He said it's been a great couple of weeks.
"I'm delighted to be here," said Lukens. "Delighted to get to know all of you folks...and getting to know a lot of people in the community already. It's very exciting to work together with our community and everybody else. We have a lot of things we're trying to build upon that Chief Kiss had already had going for a lot of years. We just want to strengthen that. Our officers are excited about working together. They've shown me a lot of different things in our community. I think we have a great, unique community."
Lukens said his family is also relocating to Alliance.
"I got my parents roped in," Lukens added. "As soon as my Dad retires from work this year, they're going to get a place out here. A place we're looking to call home for a lot of years so I hope you get use to seeing my face."
Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney and council members extended their welcome to Cheif Lukens.
"We're glad you're here," said Dafney. "It's my understanding that you were at the top of the elite list on the finalists...that you were the shiner there. Congratulations and we appreciate you being here."
In other business, council:
-Approved the vacation of right-of-way in the Snedeker's and Reddish Additions. Cold Steel Metal LLC is continuing to redevelop the salvage yard located at 923 West 3rd Street.
-Approved expedite reviews for micro TIFs (Tax Increment Financing).
-Approved a resolution to finance street improvements in the amount up to $3.2 million through the issue of revenue bonds. This allows the city to utilize reserves and obtain interim financing without affecting the ability to reimburse funds with a tax exempt revenue bond issue in the future.
-Had a discussion for City of Alliance employee personnel manual changes.
-Heard a COVID-19 update from Box Butte General Hospital and Panhandle Public Health District.