TORRINGTON – Following a short business meeting Tuesday evening, the Torrington City Council adjourned to an executive session regarding litigation and personnel during which it agreed to enter into a $9,000 contract with KRW, which will conduct a nationwide search for a new Torrington police chief. A motion to approve the contract was made by Councilman Bill Law, seconded by Councilman Randy Adams, and approved by a unanimous vote.
According to Mayor Mike Varney, the Colorado Springs, Colo., company will conduct surveys in the community and with stakeholders, and a final selection will be made by the end of April.
Retired Torrington police chief Billy Janes, who has been assisting with the search process, said that once the final applicants are identified, public forums will be conducted.

During the regular meeting, the council awarded the bid for materials of an electrical substation at Cold Springs Industrial Park to Addison Construction in the amount of $168,067.70, with a reserve of $16,806.77, or 10 percent, for potential contingency. The bid is for steel structures and other materials.
Torrington Electrical Supervisor Dana Youtz advised the council that Addison will probably bid on construction of the project, also. A start date has not been set. The motion to approve was made by Councilman Randy Adams, seconded by Councilman Bill Law, and carried unanimously.
In other action the council approved a catering permit for Patrick Zimmerer with Table Mountain Vineyards, LLC, for a Homesteaders Museum Business After Hours/Smithsonian Open House, 3-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at the museum.
The Council also approved 27 appointments by Mayor Varney to 19 city and community boards and committees, and approved bills submitted to the City for payment between Jan. 3 and Jan. 16.
The meeting began with a video presentation donated by John and Eileen Barela of Denver, Colo. It recorded their experience in Torrington during the Great American Solar Eclipse, Aug. 21, 2017. The video accompanied a thank you letter from the couple.