Council to consider regional drugs and gangs task force
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council meets tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30. On the agenda, a resolution authorizing the application for and acceptance of a Washington State Department of Commerce Justice Assistance Grant to fund a regional drug and gang task force. The grant could pay out $440,000 during the first year and be reduced, based on need, in the following years.
The funding will primarily help with personnel, equipment, confidential funds, and training. The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office and College Place Police Department have agreed to partner with the Walla Walla Police Department on the regional task force.
“We anticipate leveraging our existing personnel assigned to the WWPD Street Crimes Unit with the addition of one investigator from each of the agencies mentioned,” Administrative Support Coordinator Deborah Minteer said. “The WWPD has a captain and a sergeant with ten years’ experience in working narcotics and gangs; both staff members can immediately transition into overseeing and supervision the proposed task force.”
Also on the agenda, the council will consider an ordinance approving the labor agreement between the City of Walla Walla and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 404 for 2022-2024.
The council will also consider a resolution authorizing a professional services contract amendment with PBS Engineering and Environmental for design of the Howard Street and Chestnut Street intersection improvement project in the amount of $106,540.
The public is allowed to attend the meeting but must wear face masks or face shields. The meeting will also be streamed on the city’s website and via Zoom. The meeting ID number is 827 9988 8475.
