Crime spikes in Royal City, council told

ROYAL CITY - Reporting on recent activity at the police department, Royal City Police Chief Darin Smith told the Royal City Council at its June 16 meeting that crime has risen in the community.

The increase has been mainly in burglaries, thefts and graffiti, Smith said.

Smith also reported that the Washington State Patrol has audited the department's reporting of stolen property, missing persons and protection orders.

Smith said all of that information is entered into the MACC data base and that the data base is updated regularly. He added that the city is required to create a written policy regarding regular updates of the data base.

Public Works Director John Lasen reported that improvements were being made to allow better access to electrical power in the city park. He said they would be completed before SummerFest begins.

Lasen said a contractor had been scheduled to pull the pump at city water well No. 1 on June 22 to determine if a new pump or motor was required.

The Council requested that the project be moved to a later date to accommodate SummerFest.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council meeting Minutes of June 2, a payroll for June 15 in the amount of $19,808.33, and claims for June 16 in the amount of $8,479.78.