Two Alliance citizens requested the opportunity to address the Alliance City Council at their meeting on March 19 on a variety of issues, from the possible purchase and conversion of a warehouse to serve as the new Alliance Police Department, to request for change in the city management.
Mayor Earl Jones advised any citizens who wished to offer comments would have a set time limit of five minutes. First on the agenda was Tim Smith, who addressed the council regarding the possibility of having a new facility for the Alliance Police Department at 1207 W 2nd Street. He said that he discussed his opposition with Mayor Jones the previous week, but wanted to have it noted in the council record.
“I want to make it clear that I am not against the expansion of the current facility,” said Smith. “I am familiar with the current facility and agree it is overcrowded and needs updated. I believe it is important that our officers and police administration have the proper facility to do the job sufficiently.”
Smith said that his main issue with the proposed facility was making sure it is the right fit for the Alliance Police Department. He explained that the location of the police department is important for both citizens and law enforcement alike to ensure access to all.
“This proposed building is in the far southwest corner of the city in a somewhat secluded area,” Smith said.
Smith expressed his opinion that a central location for the police department would be more beneficial for public access and visibility. He also asked whether response times would be affected if the station were to move to the facility on W 2nd Street.
“I really feel this whole idea is being rushed, somewhat, and hasn’t been thought through very well, and needs to be tabled and revisited later,” said Smith. “We will be electing at least three new council members this year, and it would be unfair for them to not have some input as to the direction for this project, and in fairness to the incoming chief. I feel he should be allowed time to get a feel for the department needs and have his input as well.”
Smith explained that this process must be thought through before making any decisions, noting that it may equate to putting a bandage on the issue.
“This building may be an immediate fix now, but may not be the cat’s meow 10 years down the road,” Smith said. “I also believe if we are going to spend taxpayer dollars, those dollars must be spent in the best interest of all concerned. I do acknowledge building a new facility compared to repurposing an existing building is substantially more money, but having to revisit the issue 10 years down the road seems to be simply just that: kicking the can down the road.”
Smith said he was asked by Jones for suggestions on other lots or facilities to serve the purpose. Smith suggested constructing a facility on the parking lot located just southwest of the current law enforcement center, near the intersection of Niobrara Avenue and Fifth Street, may be a viable solution given its proximity to the jail and courthouse. He encouraged council members to think about the future generations when considering their options.
Next, Denise Yocum came to the lectern to address the council members, speaking on behalf of “We the people of Alliance.” First, she followed in the footsteps of other community members who addressed council members regarding the hiring of David Leavitt as the new Chief of the Alliance Police Department and the process that was taken.
“Yet, the city council, to have no concern that the city manager, Seth Sorensen, hired this man as Alliance Police Chief is just dumbfounding,” said Yocum. “We all want to have the ability to have the difference of our opinions and walk away as friends, as you said, Mayor Jones. However, when we are talking about the well being of our families, our friends and our associates, we need to stand on a united front. Many citizens of Alliance fear our concerns fell on deaf ears.”
She called on the council members to revoke Sorensen’s employment as city manager.
“We the citizens of Alliance, Nebraska, call our city of Alliance councilmen to revoke the employment status of the city manager, Mr. Seth Sorensen, as well as reverse this decision destroying our beloved community,” Yocum said. “I’d also encourage you to take farther steps in accountability to research requested internal investigations requested of the city manager, Seth Sorensen, as well as acting chief of police, Kirk Felker.”
Yocum said that community members have received backlash from sharing their views.
“Currently, upstanding citizens who are taking a stance to protect our tiny piece of paradise here in Alliance are receiving threats in attempt to keep silent, as I am personally being advised to be cautious in an area which I choose to call home,” said Yocum. “My voice will not be silenced as I stand firmly for all which I believe is for the good of my community, my beloved country, and most of all, my servitude to my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.”
She encouraged the council members to research the hiring of Leavitt as APD Chief and the company that consulted during the hiring process. She said she supported Smith’s opinion regarding the police department, encouraging the council to make an informed decision.
“As my son being one of the first of the mass exodus out of this community, I want to ensure the safety and well-being of all law enforcement officers, as well as dispatch,” Yocum said.
As Yocum was advising council members to investigate staffing issues in the police department, Jones informed her that she had reached her time limit. Yocum then thanked the council.
(Photos by Kathryn Friedrichsen)