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April 10--WATERLOO, Iowa -- The City Council granted a police officer's request for an exemption to its residency policy, meaning Vaska Tosic can live more than 10 miles from City Hall.
Tosic is among municipal employees deemed critical to emergency response.
The policy adopted in 2006, however, exempts existing workers. Tosic's boyfriend, a fellow police officer, was hired when the rule provided for a 20-mile radius.
The couple would like to build a home on property about 14 miles away.
"They ultimately plan on getting married," said Dan Trelka, director of safety services. "They'd like to live together."
The motion drew mixed opinions from the council.
According to Councilman Ron Welper, a rule is a rule. He recalled a conversation about a year ago with former Fire Chief Doug Carter. In that case, a firefighter wanted to live a mile outside the 10-mile zone.
"I said, 'I don't think the council would go for it, but you certainly can ask,'" Welper said.
"As much as I'd like to see these two people together -- I'm not pushing matrimony here -- but I think this is a little bit too much. We need to stick with our policy," Welper added.
Mayor Buck Clark noted lengthy debates before settling on the boundary rule and said he is aware of two current exemptions. Both were living outside the city limits prior to becoming critical employees.
"I would just caution that we probably are setting a precedent," he said. "Vote with your conscience."
However, two officers marrying is a unique situation, and the home would be within one of their mileage limitations, Councilman David Jones said.
"I don't think this is going to come up every day," he said. "I'm fine with it. Regardless of whether they're going to get married this year, next year or five years from now, I'm not going to draw a line saying there's a difference between how they're going to live their lives."
Councilwoman Carolyn Cole noted the couple potentially could have followed through with plans without asking for the council's permission.
"I think we should grant the marriage our blessing and let them live together," she said.
If the couple separates, Tosic would have to move within the 10-mile radius, according to City Clerk Suzy Schares.
The council approved the request 5-2. Councilmen Steve Schmitt and Welper voted no.
"May they live happily ever after," Clark said.
