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WEIMAR — The City Council met March 9 in a regular meeting to discuss a matter pertaining to the hiring of an officer by the Weimar Police Department, who has since been terminated for falsehood.
The council went into executive session to discuss the safety and welfare of the city regarding Police Chief Todd Jacobs.
After the executive session ended, Mayor Milton Koller turned the floor over to Councilman Stephen Helmcamp for discussion and possible action regarding Jacobs.
Helmcamp asked if Chief Jacobs appointed an officer to conduct a background check over the former police in Eagle Lake.
“We found that out when the city manager from Eagle Lake called and had a conversation with my city manager, and we found out we had been lied to by the police chief in Eagle Lake,” Jacobs said.
Helmcamp inquired if there was documentation concerning the allegations.
Jacobs said “there was documentation of an investigation, and it was deemed by the police chief of the investigation that it was found to be false and not true...He said there was no preponderance of the evidence to prove any of the allegations against Officer Cannon through the investigation.”
Helmcamp inquired if after the background check was ran, if Jacobs saw anything in the officer’s file pertaining to the allegations. Jacobs responded there was not.
City Attorney Carl Dawson chimed in to ask based upon subsequent investigation, if Jacobs was aware Officer Cannon was married to two people and if the officer ever admitted to Jacobs whether he was married to two people.
Jacobs said, “[Cannon] said no, the first marriage was null and void. The police chief said he investigated it and with the preponderance of the evidence, there was no proof that he was. And then through a subsequent investigation that was continuing by the city manager that we were not aware of, that the police chief did make us aware of, there was and Officer Cannon has also provided them documentation that is false. Thus, the investigation he was terminated based on that and also the fact that he was still under his six months probationary period, and he could be dismissed for any reason at any time.”
Jacobs said they have a letter from the police chief stating this also.
Prior to the executive session, council heard public comments including from former officer Christopher Cannon who expressed his grievances and said he was terminated Feb. 17.
Attorney Dawson said under Texas law under the Family Code, two marriage certificates are needed a court order either acknowledging the marriage or a court order that’s a divorce decree. He said they would need to present this before Officer Cannon. The attorney said he believes that the officer is not being “forthright” about the matter.
The attorney also reminded council that they are not able to vote on or fire the police chief because that is City Manager Mike Barrow’s decision.
Helmcamp motioned for a replacement of Chief Jacobs which Mayor Koller confirmed is a legal motion. The motion died due to a lack of a second person agreeing with the proposed course of action.
The council then went into an executive session regarding City Manager Barrow.
After the executive session ended, Helmcamp decided to let the conversation rest or die.
Records indicate that Officer Cannon was sworn in by Eagle Lake Mayor Tim Kelley on Sept. 1, 2022. The Citizen could not confirm when his employment with the Eagle Lake Police Department ended.
Other items before the council included a proclamation declaring April as National Poetry Month in Weimar and setting Poetry Open Mic Night on April 27.
Council also discussed re-appointment of city representative to the Colorado County Central Appraisal District Board for a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2024. The council also heard comments from the public concerning appraisal candidates or representatives. Councilman Helmcamp motioned for the individual to be removed due to “lack of evidence that there was another candidate and it’s causing too much conflict.” The motioned died for a lack of a second.
Council also approved for Dale Alexander of Texas Ramps Project to lease one of the Farmers Market buildings for their construction of wheelchair ramps for older adults with mobility issues. The attorney will work with individual volunteers on signing a waiver.
