A one year plan, two to five year plan and a five year plan were explained prior to a tour of the legacy city hall building that serves as the police station. The plans aren’t ideal for a police station but they can get the department to a good place, Interim Police Chief Dale Plessas said.

Sgt. Jared Foley with the department presented information highlighting that evidence storage is scattered in different locations and the use of space isn’t always adequate or convenient in the current operation. There’s also a need for more security measures with access, fire suppression equipment and an updated heating and cooling system.

Foley noted the second floor, with the former council chambers, has proven to be a good training area, with even more potential with some updates. He said the short-term plans outlined for the building would improve its use and make it suitable temporarily.

“I don’t want to just make it work. I want to make it so we can have an environment where our officers feel comfortable,” he said.

Jill Schramm/MDN Interim Police Chief Dale Plessas speaks to council members Paul Pitner, center, and Mike Blessum, right, in talking about the police department’s use of space in the legacy city hall building during a tour Thursday.

The department is asking for a formal architectural review to determine remodeling changes that could enhance the plan and what those costs would be.

“Whatever decision you go with,” Plessas told the council members, “we need a professional.”

Council members attending were Acting Mayor Mark Jantzer, Mike Blessum, Scott Samuelson and Paul Pitner.