By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
With a specially trained K9 about to join the Whitewater police force, city officials have approved the purchase of a new squad car that will be able to accommodate the four-footed crime fighter.
The Common Council on Feb. 18 voted in favor of allocating $21,488 toward the purchase of the vehicle. Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher said she obtained three bids, and recommended going forward with the lowest quotation submitted.
Donated funds are going toward the squad purchase.
While the K9 will primarily be used to detect traces of drugs, Otterbacher said the dog also will be helpful in locating lost children and people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Plans call for the K9 to join the Whitewater Police Department later this year.
In other business Feb. 18, the council:
• Discussed enforcement of handbill licenses, with regard to free shopper and advertiser types of publications.
Residents who do not want to receive the publications are allowed, under city ordinance, to ask not to have them delivered. If the publications continue to be delivered, the company can be cited.
• Voted to incorporate the recently adopted bike and pedestrian plan into the city’s 2035 comprehensive plan.
• Discussed an ongoing request from the city department of public works to run water. Through at least mid-March, the DPW is asking residents to continue running water as winter conditions remain. This is to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Presented an award to members of this year’s UW-Whitewater Warhawks team in recognition of their Division III National Football Championship. Coach Lance Leipold was on hand to receive the award, as were most members of this year’s team.
“We, as a city, are fortunate to have a university – and an outstanding university at that,” City Manager Cameron Clapper said.
