Steamboat Pilot & Today

Oak Creek — An issue that is quickly becoming the benchmark of Cargo Rodeman's mayoral career may soon see its resolution.

At Thursday's Oak Creek Town Board meeting, Rodeman read the wording for a ballot question that will decide the fate of the Oak Creek Police Department.

Voters will be given the choice between one town marshal acting as the sole member of the police force, two officers or three officers.

The date for the advisory election has not been set.

"I imagine there will be a good turnout for this election," said Rodeman. "Everyone has an opinion on this issue."

The ballot question comes at the end of a long debate among residents of Oak Creek over the need for more than one officer in their town. Rodeman has made no secret of her desire for a smaller police force.

Town residents raised concerns when it was announced that the Town Board plans to count the ballots as a way to save money.

"I think the people will not trust you," reserve police officer Eileen Rossi told Rodeman.

Rodeman responded, "if they don't trust us, why did they elect us?" But after discussion, the Town Board voted to hire official judges to count ballots.

Also at Thursday's meeting:

N Oak Creek resident Rita McNutt passed out copies of a June 17 police report written by Sgt. Dave Miller. The report details a ticket Rodeman received for reckless driving after she hit a light pole near the Colorado Bar. According to the report, alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

N The Board agreed to sponsor a July 14 community event at the school ball field. The town will be invited to play kickball, softball and barbecue. A question was raised about charcoal grills during the fire ban.

"If we can't have a barbecue, people can eat bologna sandwiches and we'll still have a good time," Rodeman said.

n Former Town Manager Ray Leibensberger attended the meeting in hopes of resolving a months-long dispute over his final paycheck. Both sides have hired attorneys to negotiate the $4,000 difference in the amount deemed fair by either side.

The board voted to approve their original amount of $2,658.

n The Town of Oak Creek will attempt to pay back meter deposits from as far back as the 1920s. "We will attempt to find everyone who is still alive and return their deposit," said Rodeman. "This should have happened long before now."

n New voluntary watering restrictions have gone into effect for the Town of Oak Creek. Residents whose addresses are even numbered, can water on even dates. Odd numbered addresses can water on odd dates. Residents should water between 5 10 a.m. and 5 10 p.m. Special arrangements will be made with the schools and cemetery.

n The board voted to buy new radios, shoulder microphones and lithium batteries for the police department. Trustee Jay Elliot saw the issue as a safety matter and asked that the purchase be made immediately.

n The board voted on the pay of Interim Police Chief Jason Lunnen. Currently, Lunnen makes $20,500 a year. Sgt. Dave Miller is paid $30,600 and Chief Tom Ling, who has resigned, makes $36,452 a year. The board voted to pay Lunnen $35,000 a year.

n The board also voted to hire Levi Wisecup as a full-time public works employee on the condition that he applies for a CDL license within 90 days. The board will also advertise for a public works employee to replace Tony Morgan.