The loan of a wood chipper and the sale of salvage materials

 

The loan of a wood chipper and the sale of salvage materials were under question during a special meeting last night of the Westminster City Council.  Chris Carter, city administrator, announced the results of his investigation of information supplied to him by Councilwoman Susan Ramey that no criminal conversion of city property has taken place, though he left it to the council to decide whether to ask for a state police investigation.  Carter’s conclusions notwithstanding, Councilwoman Ramey was not satisfied and further revealed that she is in possession of a recording that proves a wood chipper loaned for use outside city government had quickly been returned to the city once questions were being asked.  Ramey said she intends to play the tape to Dean Awalt, the police chief.  Mayor Brian Ramey said the council will await the outcome.  Carter concluded his report last night to the mayor and council by saying:  “Not knowing the identity of the individuals relaying this information to Ms. Ramey it would be difficult to understand the motives for doing so.  I am convinced the wood chipper is in the possession of the City.  I also based on my review of the receipts and weight tickets that all monies paid to the City for salvage this year were received by the City.  Mr. Deb Hunnicutt’s recollection seemed to be clear according to Chief Awalt.  I am also certain the remaining motors will be restocked and not sold and used for spares when the need arises.  In short, it is my belief based on the above no criminal conversion of city property took place.”  Based on what he Councilwoman Ramey told him, Carter said he looked into whether the wood chipper may have been sold and the proceeds kept by unnamed city employees, as well as the possible payment to a city worker or workers for old water meters sold as scrap.