Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Monday night’s meeting of Albemarle City Council opened with recognition of the city’s Police Department for successful completion of the state’s risk management review process for law enforcement agencies.
Subsequently, Ryan Manley, having just completed his first day as Albemarle’s new police chief, was introduced to the council by City Manager Todd Clark.
Joseph Graziano, senior public safety risk management consultant for the North Carolina League of Municipalities, presented the award to the police department’s management team.
“(The risk management review) is a comprehensive agency review of over 40 high-risk, high-liability areas to ensure the agency adheres to best practices and standards, including pursuits, use of force, employment practices, and training to name a few,” Graziano said.
Graziano added that out of more than 200 North Carolina police departments who are seeking to complete the review, Albemarle is one of only 90 to have successfully completed the process.
Clark introduced Manley, who finished as top selection of 55 applicants, and summarized the city’s assessment process.
“It was a very rigorous process, with three different assessment panels for those who were selected to be interviewed,” said Clark. “Ryan really stepped up and did a wonderful job.”
Clark also recognized interim chief Penny Dunn, who had served since October, following the resignation of previous chief Jason Bollhorst.
“She did a marvelous job in the interim process,” he noted, adding that Dunn had guided the department through the risk assessment process, as well as resolving a number of issues during the transition period.
A formal swearing-in ceremony for Manley will take place on Feb. 20, Clark added.
Fire Chief Kenny Kendall announced the promotion of Battalion Chief and 25-year AFD veteran Brad Jenkins to the position of assistant fire chief.
“Chief Jenkins is very qualified for this position,” Kendall said. “He has risen through the ranks, starting as a firefighter in 2000, and for the past nine years has served as Battalion Chief. He is deeply committed to serving his community, and passionate about advancing the safety and success of the department and the City of Albemarle.”
Jenkins thanked those present for the opportunity.
“I look forward to working alongside Chief Kendall, and working to meet the challenges the city faces with growth and development,” he told council members, also recognizing his wife (Brandy) and daughter (Savannah), as well as the firefighters of his battalion.
“It’s employees like them that have made my job easy,” Jenkins said.
In other matters, the council:
• Approved abandonment of a 0.73 acre, 50-foot wide section of the former Anderson Road at the roundabout intersection with NC 24-27.
• Approved a 90-day extension of the city’s Professional Services Agreement with Surpass Cleaning and Maintenance, LLC.
• Approved qualifications of seven engineering firms which would provide the city with timely access to engineering services in specific situations.
• Entered into a closed session to consult with the the city attorney.
Albemarle City Council will next meet on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.