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Oak Creek — Oak Creek Town Board made the initial steps to formally revising the town's complaint process for police and other town departments at its meeting Thursday, after months of back-and-forth discussion about how much law enforcement is too much.

The current complaint process for Oak Creek police - or any other town department - dictates that any complaints should first go to the department head, then to the appointed commissioners who oversee that department and, if necessary, to the Town Board.

Changes proposed would not only codify and standardize the process, but also make it easier for residents to raise concerns. Police Chief Russ Caternicchio proposed allowing any town staff member or elected official to receive complaints in any form, though they will still flow up the chain in the same manner. The complaints policy also clarifies that all complainants will receive a written report of findings and conclusions after thorough investigation.

Caterinicchio will meet with police commissioners Dave Ege and Chuck Wisecup next week to discuss the proposal and hopefully finalize the changes.

The Town Board also voted to direct town attorney Bob Weiss to research exactly what information elected trustees and appointed commissioners have access to in their oversight roles. The board discussed such research at its June 26 meeting, but neglected to hold a vote on its approval.

Defining legal boundaries on all sides is designed to protect the town, its employees and its residents, Ege said.

Signs under review

Oak Creek police are also working with Public Works Director Bob Redding to conduct a review of street signage throughout the town. Proposed changes so far include replacing a handful of stop signs with yield signs, as well as adding new signs approaching town on Colorado Highway 131 warning motorists that 25 mph zones are ahead, Caternicchio said. "Children at play" signs will also be installed on Bell and Moffat avenues.

The Town Board also gave initial thought to creating a dog park or off-leash area within city limits. The town will do research into signage and fencing requirements, with the hopes of having a trial run later this summer.

Residents have been very compliant with leashing their dogs, and establishing a dog park would be a great way to throw them a bone in return, Caterinicchio said.

Longtime Oak Creek municipal court Judge Bob Sonheim also has given notice of his retirement after more than a decade of service to the town. Sonheim will be replaced by current associate judge Ralph Cantafio, the Town Board decided Thursday.