Hurricane Police Chief Mike Mullins (right) presents Officer Payton Carr with the Officer of the Year Award for 2024.

The first order of business at the monthly meeting of Hurricane City Council on May 5th included a first-time event — recognition of the Police Officer of the Year.

Mayor Scott Edwards said that the City of Hurricane will honor one officer in future years at a council meeting. To be considered for the award, an officer must possess the following: Exemplary Service, Professionalism, Proactive, Integrity, and Community Engagement.

Officer Payton Carr was selected as Hurricane’s first Police Officer of the Year. Carr was commended for his willingness to accept assignments which required many hours of extended duty.

The meeting agenda was light with updates from city officials being most noteworthy.

HPD Chief Mike Mullins reported the seizure of a vehicle in association with an arrest involving drug possession. Mullins reported 30 arrests which were charged to the State and 10 city arrests. Seven of the ten arrests were for shoplifting.

Hurricane Fire Chief Paul Niedbalski told council that he is hopeful that evaluation of his department will qualify Hurricane for lower insurance rates. Niedbalski said savings of $50 or more may be possible.

City Manager Andy Skidmore stated that revenue generation from Bridge Park ball field rentals and concession sales is doing well. The fields rent for $3,000 per weekend. Concession sales were $8,000 during April. The revenue is reserved for payment of loans which financed construction of the multi-million dollar facility.

Marketing Director Amanda Ramey announced that Hurricane will host several hundred Run For The Wall motorcyclists on the evening of May 21st.

The next Hurricane City Council meeting will be June 2nd at 6:30 p.m.