FOREST CITY, IA- It hasn't been an easy road for some of our local police officers.
Last October, Forest City had to figure out how to run their department without an operating building, after a fire there damaged much of the structure.
As details of the case emerged, a suspect was arrested and taken into custody. Thaddeus Ellenbecker has been charged with arson for setting the fire, and allegedly stealing a fellow officers gun as well.
He has pled not guilty and is set to go to trial in May.
And now the police department is ready to move forward.
For Police Chief Dan Davis and the rest of the department, adjusting to their temporary office has come with some obstacles. The biggest challenge has been their lack of space.
"It's about two fifths of what we had at the old station, so we're a little cramped," Davis said.
And they're ready for some changes to be made.
"We're looking forward to moving ahead, we'd like to get something started," said Davis.
And something did get started at Monday's city council meeting. The council brought in the architect who is working on the project to lay out their options.
"We basically have three options. The first option is restoring the police station as is. The second option is renovating the police station including improvements to it. And the third option is looking at a new building," said architect Ed Wineinger.
There was some talk among council members of combining the first two options - restoring the building and adding a few renovations to make it more affordable. That's an option Wineinger said he supports.
"Well I think that's a prudent approach to take ,to see where they can cut back for now and maybe do those improvements later. Things like replacing their roof, they still have a number of years they can get out of their roof," said Wineinger.
Davis said he will support whatever decision the council makes, he just hopes for one thing.
"Just that this moves ahead quickly and in a good direction," said Davis.
Of all the options, the first one, restoring the old building, costs the least.
Winnebago County has also expressed some interest in building a combined facility for the county and city law enforcement services.
The council is meeting with their insurance agent before their next meeting and they will decide how to move ahead.
Meanwhile, Thaddeus Ellenbecker's trial has been continued and will now take place in May in Forest City.
