Tuesday evening, the Ione City Council held a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed improvements to City Hall and security enhancements for the Police Department, both of which are housed in one building. The proposed plan would be short term, from 3-5 years, until the funds needed to build a separate Police Department are secured. The improvements are in part intended to secure the identities of victims, suspects and witnesses as they are reporting to the front desk of City Hall. The proposed project would include an interview room, file room, and the relocation of some doors. Also there would be two separate entrances to the building- one for City Hall and one for the Police Department. Councilman Sherman asked if either the Sergeant or Chief’s office could be used for an interview room, as opposed to building a new one. The answer was that this was not a realistic option, as documents would have to be secured, weapons would have to be removed, and the Chief would be asked to leave for an unknown time period. Councilman Skip Schaufel remarked that if this reconstruction could “help one victim, then the council will have done its job.” Staff has currently received a 39-thousand dollar estimate for the remodel project and is requesting to put together a project document to release for bid. Council approved a Request for Proposal on the estimates in a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Sherman and Ulm opposing.