by Alan McArthur
Landmark reporter
Parkville has a new police chief after the board of aldermen voted to hire Kevin Chrisman on Tuesday night.
The 53-year-old retired Kansas City, Mo. Police Department (KCPD) major is a Northland resident and took over the position effective (today) Wednesday, Jan. 7. Bill Hudson, former chief, retired at Parkville at the end of December.
Chrisman retired from the KCPD in December of 2006 as a major. He worked for the department for 34 years, beginning as a civilian at the age of 17 and became an officer at 21.
“I am very excited to come here, I consider it a great opportunity,” said Chrisman.
On Tuesday night, Hudson handed over his badge to Chrisman and gave up his seat in front of the board.
“Fifteen years ago I stood before this board,” said Hudson. “There have not been a lot of ups and downs, but it has gone fast. This is a great group of people and it has been a great experience.”
Hudson began working for Parkville in January 1994. Hudson also retired from the KCPD as a major and worked there for 25 years. He retired from KCPD in December 1993.
Chrisman also took the oath of office after the meeting.
Gerry Richardson, mayor, said they received 52 resumes for the open position and the board narrowed the number to 12. The board then interviewed five applicants for the position and chose Chrisman.
Chrisman will have a salary of $65,000 as well as paid vacation and health insurance. In 2008, Hudson had a salary of $69,911.
Hudson has continued working for Parkville as a consultant. Hudson is still an adjunct professor for Park University, teaching criminal justice/law enforcement.
The board approved the hiring of Chrisman with a vote of 7-0. Deborah Butcher, alderman, was absent from the meeting.
The board also approved an agreement to participate in the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Household Hazardous Waste program.
The cost for the city to participate is $0.88 per citizen, based on the 2007 population estimates. The cost for 2009 for the city is $4,617.36.
The program allows citizens of participating cities to drop off hazardous waste for free at the Kansas City or Lee's Summit location. Citizens may also participate in the mobile collection events, one of which Parkville hosted in 2008.
The board voted 7-0 to participate.
An agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) was also signed. The agreement dedicates additional right-of-way easements to MoDOT for the Highway 9 bridge replacement over the White Alloe Creek in downtown Parkville.
The project will increase the bridge from two lanes to three lanes. The project will begin in the summer of 2009.
