HAVEN, Kan. — As part of the Haven City Council meeting Monday night, council member Sandra Williams voiced concerns to Haven Police Chief Stephen Schaffer regarding “In God We Trust” decals on Haven’s police vehicles and the quoting of scripture on the Haven Police Department Facebook page.
Williams advised Schaffer that the Council does not feel it is the forum to be talking about God.
Chief Schaffer asked if that was a directive from the Council. Mayor Adam Wright nodded and said, “Yes.” Williams moved to eliminate the quoting of scripture from Haven Police Department’s Facebook page and to remove “In God We Trust” from the police vehicles.
According to City Clerk Leslie Atherton, the phrase was on the rear of each vehicle. For example, on the trucks, it was across the tailgate.
Kylie Rush seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Also at the meeting Monday, Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar introduced himself and County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt to the governing body and provided a summary of the events that occurred during the April 14th gas explosion. He noted that IFO is still on-scene, and while all petroleum products are out of the facility, remediation will continue over the next several months.
Budgets were also approved for the Tree Board, Park Board and Economic Development and appointments were approved for the City Attorney, Treasurer, Municipal Court Judge, City Clerk and Chief of Police.
No action was taken following an executive session on the continuing legal issues regarding the city pool.
The next meeting of the Haven City Council will be May 16.