Peabody backs hiring full-time cop

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

Peabody City Council voted Monday to authorized police chief Matthew Neal to extend a full-time employment offer to part-time officer Charles Walker.

Walker now serves part-time in Peabody. As of Tuesday, he remained a full-time officer with the Council Grove Police Department, according to Council Grove Police Chief Shawn Wangerin.

Neal told council members Walker “would like to come over here” full-time.

He and Neal make up the department. Asked after the meeting whether there were plans to hire more full-time or part-time officers, Neal said there were.

“We’re laying out all our options that we can,” Neal said. “I’d like to get us fully staffed.”

Council members also reviewed city’s budgeting with accountant Scot Loyd, who emphasized maintaining conservative revenue estimates, monitoring cash balances, and planning for long-term capital needs to avoid reactive spending on infrastructure.

The council approved a pay estimate and change order for ongoing sidewalk and downtown improvements tied to grant funding. The action covers recent construction snd adjustments to the scope of the project.

During discussion, council members raised safety concerns about a sloped section of sidewalk near a downtown storefront. Federal accessibility requirements and existing building conditions limit design alternatives but there are options to review such as additional railing or visual markings.

Remaining work includes installation of lighting bases, additional concrete work and finishing items such as addressing cracks and utility access points.

Peabody Community Foundation associate director Paige Barnes outlined ongoing efforts to support local projects and community development, including interest in improvements at Santa Fe Park after recent security upgrades.

The foundation has played a role in fundraising and grant support for public spaces and expressed interest in continuing to partner with the city on future projects. No formal action was taken.

City Administrator Paul Leeker also outlined changes to how meetings are conducted, establishing a designated time for council members to raise community concerns separately from committee reports in an effort to improve organization and transparency.