City approves documents for community block grant

The city will receive $629,700 from a Community Development Block grant, Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the council approved a total of three documents that are required for these funds.

Structures slated for demolition using the grant are the Romanoff building on Norris Avenue and B Street; the former Westward Elementary School; three residential houses -- 301 E. Second, 206 W. Second and 1303 East B -- plus a commercial building at 103 W. Third owned by Mark Wilcox.

Documents approved Monday night include Procurement Procedures and Code of Conduct, that regulates the administration of contracts supported by federal funds and Excessive Force Certification, that enforces a policy to prohibit the use of excessive force by law enforcement against any individual engaged in non violent civil rights demonstration.

The Excessive Force Certification was pulled for discussion from the consent agenda by Councilman Aaron Kircher, who asked what kind of training city police have regarding this.

"I want to make sure we're taking an extra look at it," he said.

The city already has existing policies in place that are more restrictive and specific than the Excessive Force Certification, said McCook Police Chief Ike Brown.

Brown said he appreciated the concern from the councilman and responded that police officers attend training sessions at least once a year.

In fact, one of McCook police officers, Sgt. Kevin Darling, serves as a guest instructor for the state training.

"We have the luxury of having some good folks on board," Brown said.

Policies are reviewed annually to "make sure we're up to speed," he added.

The council also approved from the consent agenda the special designated liquor license for Schmick's Market, for a catered reception at Acme Touch Printing Dec. 4.