Beckman, who has eight years police experience in Colorado, told the City Council, he and his family “moved to Iowa in search of a better life.” Beckman lives near Dayton with his wife, Heather, and son Logan. With the hiring of Beckman, Hanson announced the department is now fully staffed.

As well, the council approved buying a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe as a patrol car for WCPD. Its current fleet consists of six patrol cars, and one car each assigned to the K-9 officer and Chief of Police. The cost is $53,600 base price, and $21,139 for additional equipment and installation. The city will trade-in a 2018 Tahoe, as part of the transaction. Police Chief Steve Hanson stressed the department specified “Karl Chevrolet in an effort to keep business local.” Another local firm, K. Stein, will apply graphics to the new vehicle.

In other action, the city council:

• Voted to adopt 2026 Iowa Statewide Urban Standards & Specifications for Public Improvements as an update to the 2022 version presently in use here. The standards provide conformity of public infrastructure across the state, reduces construction costs, and are said to reduce confusion for contractors working for the city, county or state.

• Accepted a bid for $40,000 from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC out of Eau Claire, WI to seal cracks in asphalt pavement at 27 locations throughout Webster City this summer.

• Accepted a bid for $44,400 submitted by Cardenas Construction of Ft. Dodge, to make repairs to concrete streets in the city this summer.

• Accepted a bid from Ft. Dodge Asphalt to make patch repairs to asphalt pavement in city streets this summer.

• Conveyed a permanent easement to Black Hills Energy allowing it to relocate a gas main on E. Ohio St. along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Work will begin this spring, with plans for East Ohio St. to remain open throughout the project.