The Sioux City Council discussed the search process for the chief of police position in its meeting Monday.
Last week, the city of Sioux City announced Scott Ebner and Robert Trebes as the two finalists to fill the role.
During the citizen comment portion of the meeting, Maria Rundquist, a resident of Sioux City, expressed her concerns about the two finalists for the open position.
Rundquist mentioned how both candidates are not from the area and one is currently involved in a lawsuit. Previously, the Sioux City Journal reported that candidate Scott Ebner is a defendant in an active gender discrimination lawsuit.
She requested that the city council cancel Wednesday’s meet and greet for the finalists and start the search process over.
Council member Ike Rayford suggested having a conversation or getting calls about the search process to provide clarity.
Rayford also recommended having a civil service presentation for people to understand the process, what it looks like, and what it entails.
Mayor Pro tem Julie Schoenherr agreed with Rayford, saying none of the council members have met or spoken with the candidates, nor have they seen their resumes.
Schoenherr said the candidates take a test determining if they qualify or don’t qualify to continue the process.
She stated they don’t have anything to do with the process yet.
The meet and greet for residents to speak with the finalists will be held on Wednesday at the Sioux City Convention Center from 7 to 8:30pm.
