Soap Lake police chief sworn in

Candice Boutilier

Herald staff writer

Soap Lake Council pleased with choice

SOAP LAKE — Jim Dorris was sworn in as the new Soap Lake Police Chief before more than 60 people at the Soap Lake City Council Meeting on Wednesday. Several other issues including a spa, art show and a boat gift were discussed too.

"It hasn't been an easy task to get a new chief," Mayor Wayne Hovde said.

Applicants from Hawaii, Alaska and Texas attempted to get the position, but Dorris surpassed them, he added.

"Jim came out on top," Hovde said.

It's just great to have someone from the area as the new police chief, he said.

After Dorris' wife, Pam, pinned him with his badge, the council bowed their heads in prayer and everyone joined in a potluck afterward.

The council also discussed the Spa and Wellness Center project.

Spa and Wellness Center Committee Representative Terry Brewer updated the council on the project.

"The idea is to bring Soap Lake back to what it was," Brewer said. "The history of the community is based upon the healing properties of the lake."

The spa will incorporate that into its practice if it goes through, he added.

The city received a million dollar state grant for the project that is contingent upon the city matching the grant two dollars for every dollar awarded, Brewer said.

The council decided to take an approach to generate that money through private investors and developers. They approved an advertisement campaign to attract potential investors and developers to pay for the project. An interview process will also be incorporated to make sure the best interest of the city is in mind, Brewer said. The city will lease the property and the potential building to the developers. Hovde clarified the process will not put any financial obligations on the city, it is merely an information seeking portion at this time.

Art Guild of Soap Lake Representative John Glassco asked the council to allow the set up of a month long art show in the council chambers in December.

The council approved to allow the show.

"We will be well decorated at that time," Hovde said.

Glassco assured any free standing art would be moved aside so the council can comfortably hold their meetings at the scheduled times. Other art pieces will hang on the walls, he added.

The council also approved a contract to accept several boats from the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.