Just last week the retirement of Riley County Police Detective Alan Riniker was announced, and RCPD Director Brad Schoen wasted little time in figuring out a way to have his job, primarily as a C-S-I lab technician, continue. Schoen suggested to Riley county law board members Monday a modification, with transition from an officer performing crime scene lab work, to a civilian position.
The change was approved unanimously, with board member Wynn Butler extremely supportive, as the position means cost-savings. Schoen indicated Rinker is a candidate for the position, although others within the department have also expressed an interest.
Law board members are considering changing the traditional time of their meetings, which is currently at noon on the third Monday of the month, to later in the afternoon. However this Monday, the group voted to continue with the current schedule, at least for the near future, with continuing consideration of changes. The measure originally brought a tie vote, but finally passed four to three.
Law Board Chair Karen McCulloh voted for the measure–saying former law board member and police director Al Johnson indicated through all the years he had served, more public input seemed to come at noon rather than later in the afternoon. Board member Jim Sherow finally broke that three to three tie, but had one stipulation, and that is to consider a different time.
Questions were asked about the availability of the current meeting space, which is the city commission chambers, at the other proposed time, which was 4:30 on Monday afternoons… and whether it would mean additional expense keeping RCPD employees after business hours.
By the way, next month’s meeting will be on Tuesday the 17th due to the Martin Luther King Holiday.
The group also approved a maintenance agreement for police radios with Ka-Comm and heard of a renewal with the substation lease agreement involving Riley County and Aggieville. There’s also been discussion of an eventual new sub-station in the downtown area.
