Though the Perry Police Department’s firing range still remains closed, progress is being made and things seem to be moving forward rather quickly.

During Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilman and safety committee member Dr. Randy McCaulley says he and fellow councilwoman and safety committee member Barb Wolling had the chance to meet with Police Chief Dan Brickner and discuss a plan to get the range reopened.  He says the Chief is doing a very good job of putting together a comprehensive plan that addresses all the issues and is comparable to others in the area.

However, McCaulley expressed that he does not feel the closing of the range was handled in the best way possible.  He said the closure not only impacted Perry, but other communities who had scheduled to use the range as well and he believes other agencies should not have been brought into the mix.  As a result, McCaulley says the closure caused some resentment from other departments including the City of West Des Moines.  He says in life we “need all the friends we can get” and it’s important that we don’t unnecessarily drag other communities into the mix because of such issues.

McCaulley says the City departments, council and mayor need to all work together as a team, working for the betterment of the citizens in our community.  He said the blame doesn’t belong on one side or another, but better teamwork is critical to the future success of the City.

McCaulley said there are some “very challenging days ahead” and there are budget issues that will soon face the community and the council and everyone needs to work together to solve all issues in the best way they possibly can.

As for the future of the firing range… more soil testing needs to be completed in the area and McCaulley says once that is completed the proposed plan will be brought before the Mayor and Council.