Royal City swears in new police officer
Courtesy photo Yered Farias-Ramos (left) was sworn in by Royal City Mayor Kent Andersen during a city council meeting on Tuesday, May 7.
By RACHAL PINKERTON
Staff Writer
ROYAL CITY — Royal City Mayor Kent Andersen swore in a new police officer Tuesday, May 7 during a regular city council meeting. Yered Farias-Ramos finished the state police academy on April 17 and has been working on the streets since. The swearing-in brings Royal City’s police force up to three officers.
While Farias-Ramos was in academy, the other two Royal City police officers had to work overtime. The city council approved overtime pay for Chief Darin Smith, according to Shilo Christensen, Royal City’s finance director. Smith, who is a salaried employee, had to work significantly more hours than normal.
Also during the meeting, the council instructed the city attorney to look into language that could be added to city code with regard to potentially dangerous dogs.
“State law has language about dangerous dogs, what constitutes a dangerous dog and what you can do,” said Christensen. “They asked the attorney to come back with recommendations.”
It was reported that Apollo Construction has started the preliminary work on a UV project at the wastewater reclamation facility. Apollo Construction Inc, of Kennewick, was chosen to do the work. The project should be completed in approximately three months and will cost the city around $600,000. The old system at the wastewater plant is no longer being supported by the manufacturer.
It was reported that the air conditioner at the Royal City Golf Course has stopped working. The city will be getting estimates from different companies on the cost of repairing the air conditioner.
“Because of the size of the expense, we don’t have to bid it,” Christensen said. “But we want a good price. We will ask different companies what it will cost to fix it.”
City Planner Darryl Piercy reported to the council that the apartments at 310 Acacia St., which had been previously owned by the bank, have been purchased. The new owner has applied for a renovation permit and will be doing work on the building.
“They are going through the process to renovate and make it new,” said Christensen. “It is exciting for the city.”
Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.