Council to learn about new policing laws
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – College Place Police Chief Troy Tomaras will discuss police legislative changes in a presentation at tonight’s regular city council meeting starting at 7 p.m. This past session, the Washington State Legislature passed multiple bills addressing police reform following various events that have occurred in other cities around the nation. In May, Governor Jay Inslee signed several reform bills into law. The majority of these laws took effect Sunday.
Last week, College Place Police Chief Troy Tomaras, Walla Walla Police Chief Scott Bieber and Walla Walla County Sheriff Mark Crider collaborated on a letter to the community which detailed the profound impact these new laws will have on policing across the state of Washington. During the city council meeting, Tomaras will give an overview of the police reform bills.
The council will also consider a resolution with allocates more than $2.6 million in American Rescue Plan grant dollars for the city. The city has received funds for half the grant with the other half coming in February 2022.
After multiple discussions with the heads of the city’s various departments, a suggested allocation spreadsheet has been written prioritizing proposed allocations which include replacing a fire truck, hiring a fleet mechanic, and making audio/visual system improvements, plus general renovations to council chambers.
Also on the agenda, resolutions of support for the Transportation Improvement Board to complete grant applications for street lighting on Northeast Rose Street and reconstruction of Southeast 12th Street from South College Avenue to Southeast Larch Avenue.
The meeting is streamed on the city’s YouTube Channel. It is also available on Zoom. The ID number is 985 6158 9116.
