Laserfiche WebLink
Regular Council Meeting <br />February 8, 2021 <br />Page 3 <br />12. Approve Amendment No. Two to the Agreement with Gary and Rebecca Nash to <br />increase the City's portion of cost sharing from $33,000.00 to $34,666.67 for <br />improvements necessary to replace a failed retaining wall along Johnson Woods Creek <br />and adjacent to their property. <br />Reular At*enda <br />Prior to moving to the first item on the regular agenda, a Motion to move item 15 up on <br />the agenda was made by Mayor Clifford and seconded by Council Member Portugal. Motion <br />carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. <br />15. Discuss and approve the confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Richard <br />Salter as Chief of Police, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code 143.013(a)(1). <br />City Manager Grayson Path explained the interview process by which Richard Salter was <br />selected, which included written essays, in-person interview with visiting Chief of Police panel, a <br />Zoom interview and community panel interview. Based on the right combination of potential, <br />experience, attitude, energy, professionalism and civility that he wanted to see in a leader of the <br />Police Department, he asked that City Council confirm his appointment of Richard Salter as the <br />Chief of Police for Paris. <br />Council Member Stone said she had to watch the interview twice after getting phone calls <br />about one of the things that Mr. Salter said. Council Member Stone said Mr. Salter had her <br />support and said anytime the police wanted to work with kids, to please come to her. <br />Mr. Salter said his background consisted of 34 years with the State, Federal and local <br />levels of law enforcement. He also said the bottom line was he loved his job, that it was his <br />passion. He said he was too old for DEA and retired January 15, but that he was too young to <br />retire. <br />Council Member Hughes expressed appreciation to Mr. Path for all of his efforts. He <br />said he too would support Mr. Path's choice of Richard Salter. He also said he had to look at the <br />interview again and referenced the mentorship program that Mr. Salter talked about during his <br />interview. He inquired if Mr. Salter was familiar with the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Salter said <br />he was familiar with the program, and that he had been in a Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Salter also <br />said bringing in mentors was important and community engagement was the key. <br />Council Member Savage said he trusted Mr. Path's opinion but Mr. Path had not been in <br />Paris long. He expressed concern about Mr. Salter's emphasis on drug enforcement during the <br />interview process, and said that hit him wrong. He said he did not see the community relation <br />side and he hoped he was wrong. Council Member Savage said he hopes Mr. Salter comes in <br />and the officers love him and the community embraces and loves him. Council Member Savage <br />told Mr. Salter he wanted to work with him to bridge the gap. Mr. Salter said he appreciated <br />Council Member Savage's comments and he hoped there would be a constant dialog. Mr. Salter <br />