Decatur council hires new police chief, restricts street to one way

— The City of Decatur will soon have a new police chief to replace Terry Luker, who is retiring after 28 years of service to Benton County, Gravette and Decatur police departments.

During its regular session March 13, in the conference room at city hall, the Decatur city council voted to go into executive session to discuss the hiring of a new police chief. After 30 minutes, the council reconvened and voted to hire Joe Savage as the new Decatur Chief of Police, effective May 1.

Savage is currently serving as a sergeant in the Decatur Police Department.

Later in the regular session, the council reviewed an ordinance that established Pool Street, which runs on the west side of City Park from Second to Oak Street, as a one-way thoroughfare.

With no room to widen to a full two-lane street, the council felt that it would be safer for those using the city swimming pool and for local residents if the street flowed in one direction. After three readings, the ordinance passed, 4 to 1, with councilwoman Ladale Clayton voting against the measure.

Effective immediately, Pool Street traffic will be restricted to southbound movement only. This measure was deemed necessary to allow emergency vehicles, regular traffic and pedestrians safe passage. A $100 fine will be assessed to anyone caught violating the ordinance.

In other business, the council discussed an ordinance that would make the parking lot on the north end of the Decatur Train Depot a public parking lot with a two-hour time limit. The new ordinance passed on the first reading. However, the council decided to postpone the second and third readings until the April meeting.

The city signed a lease agreement with Kansas City Southern Railroad on the property running from the locomotive to the lot entrance on Roller Avenue (which includes the log cabin).

This lot allows for additional public parking in the downtown area.

The Decatur City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the conference room at city hall. The first 30 minutes of each meeting is set aside for public comments and concerns. For more information, contact Decatur city offices at 479-752-3912.

General News on 03/22/2017