Mission loses 2 police officers
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ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius is once again hiring police officers after Tony Buff and Scott Sciaretta resigned last week.
Buff’s resignation was effective immediately, and Sciaretta’s last day of employment is Feb. 11, Mayor Charley Gariepy noted at the Feb. 1 city council meeting. In Buff’s letter of resignation, he said he couldn’t work with the council, a statement that council member Ray Jensen said seemed “unprofessional” to him when at least one council member (Jensen) had never spoken with Buff.
“I’ve never talked to the guy,” Jensen said.
Sciaretta had been on paid administrative leave for several months pending an investigation by the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation, which was investigating a non-performance related issue involving Sciaretta. Following his and Buff’s resignations, Gariepy said the town would begin the search for new police officers immediately.
Ronan’s animal control officer, Laura Larson, spoke to the council about a possible animal control position in St. Ignatius. The town has long been plagued with loose and stray dogs, and the council is considering hiring a part-time person to round up and deal with stray animals.
“Wherever I’m needed, I’m happy to go,” Larson said.
The council planned to iron out the details of what the part-time position would entail and let Larson know the specifics. The idea of an animal control officer had the support of at least two community members in attendance, one who said she’s been dealing with a pack of seven dogs running loose near her house on Griffith Lane and another who’s been bothered by three strays eating her cat’s food.
Public Works director Scott Morton asked the council to look at the issue of water shutoff valves that control water flow to private property owners. The valves were put in 30 years ago, Morton said, and are easily broken. As Public Works director, Morton is responsible for shutting off people’s water when they don’t pay the bill.
“If (a valve) breaks because (the water user) didn’t pay and the town had to shut it off, who’s responsible (for the broken valve)?” Morton asked.
