Public Safety Committee Minutes 2007 11-20-07 APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS
1/24/2008
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
800 Game Farm Road
Yorkville, IL 60560
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
City Hall, Conference Room
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 — 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Chairperson Spears, Committeemen Plocher, Sutcliff, Werderich
ABSENT:
None
ALSO PRESENT:
City Representatives:
Chief Harold Martin, Lieutenant Don Schwartzkopf, Lieutenant Rich Hart, Sergeant
Dave Delaney, Retired Sergeant Ron Diederich, and Assistant City Administrator Bart
Olson
Public:
Jeff Gregory of Realty Executives Success, Jesse Hammond of Realty Executives
Success, Ed Niesen (resident), Catherine Niesen (resident), Norm Harrington (resident),
Todd Milliron (County resident), Tony Scott of The Record
Chairperson Spears called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of City
Hall.
Chairperson Spears asked to move item#2 under New Business to the start of the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. PS 2007-38 Citizen Radar Patrol
Sergeant Delaney stated that the Citizen Radar Patrol program was being
instituted due to recurring traffic problems in residential areas. He highlighted the
program as follows:
• The program will allow residents to sign out radar units and traffic vests.
It is anticipated that residents will have the units for a period of 7 days.
• Residents will be trained to use the unit.
• The program is available only to City residents. Residents cannot be
under the influence of alcohol while operating the unit and no videotaping
is allowed.
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• Residents will track the license plate number, time, direction of travel and
vehicle description of offending vehicles.
• Offending vehicle owners will receive a warning letter. A copy of the
letter will remain on file in the Police Department.
• Data obtained from this program can be used for speed studies.
• The program allows residents to have more ownership on their
neighborhoods and gives them a better perception of vehicle speed.
Sergeant Delaney and Chief Martin provided the following answers to questions
from the Committeeman:
• Only speeding vehicles will be tracked on the log.
• Repeat offenders will be logged and officers will use that knowledge in
future incidents with the offenders.
• City Council will be added to the liability waiver.
• The program was mirrored from Naperville.
• The public will be notified about this program via the Neighborhood
Watch Newsletter and a press release.
• Residents who check out the units will be using the units while on foot,
not in a vehicle.
• Information obtained from the program will be used for in-house purposes
only.
• Safeguards are in place to protect the City against falsification of
information.
• If an offending vehicle receives 5 warning letters, corrective action will be
taken.
Chairperson Spears felt it was interesting to note that the units have been
purchased and ready for use. Furthermore, she thanked Sergeant Delaney for his
presentation.
This item was for informational purposes only.
Chairperson Spears asked to move item#1 under Old Business to the next item for discussion.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. PS 2007-34 Somonauk Street (Route 47-Colton)— On-Street Parking Ban
This matter was presented to the Committee a few months ago, as parking on this
street has become a tremendous issue. The residents have been notified that the
City is considering a no parking ban. It was determined that this is a public safety
issue and the Police Department has confirmed that. Discussion was open to the
public. The following members of the public addressed the Committee:
Mr. Jeff Gregory of Realty Executives Success, 101 E. Somonauk Street,
Yorkville, IL distributed a letter and stated the following:
• He is not against public safety.
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• He feels a parking ban on both sides of the street would be
detrimental to the financial success of his business.
• His business had 4 employees last July when he purchased it. He
has added employees. His desire is to grow to 16 employees.
• The parking lot has 7 parking spaces. When purchasing the
business, he considered the fact that parking was available on the
street.
• Customers and employees do not want to walk 1-2 blocks to get to
the office.
• Having parking available to less than 50% of the employees is a
problem.
• If the parking ban is instituted, their business may have to go
elsewhere when the lease is up in July, 2008. He cannot operate a
business without parking available to customers and employees.
• There is a lot of expense involved in converting a home to a
business. The property value of this office space will decrease if
there is no parking.
• He feels that this proposal is inconsistent with zoning regulations.
• Expanding his parking lot is not an option as there would not be
enough room to back out and negotiate a turn.
• With regards to public safety, he submits the following for
consideration by the Committee:
• Widen Somonauk Street
• Any resident that parks on the street could be considered a
safety issue
• High school students in his employ during the evening
hours park in front of the building rather than walking
through the parking lot when it's dark.
• He submitted the following solutions for consideration by the
Committee:
• Take no action
• Limit the parking to the south side of the street
• Limit the parking ban to in front of the 1st two homes on
either side of the street.
• He wants to maintain a pleasant relationship with the City and the
neighbors.
Mr. Gregory provided the following answers to questions from the
Committee:
• When asked if parking was available at the school, Mr. Gregory
stated it was an unfair restriction to place on customers and
employees to have them park at the school and walk 2 blocks to
the office.
• To get to the parking lot, you must turn on Route 47 and then turn
behind the building.
• Parking in the driveway is restricted to handicapped parking only.
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Committeeman Sutcliff stated that the population brought this matter to
the attention of the Committee due to the school traffic. A study was done
and the results showed 700 cars going west in the morning. There is grade
school, middle school and high school traffic traveling through that
intersection. The roadway has turned into a major thoroughfare. If a car
is parked there, traffic has to maneuver into ongoing traffic to get around
it. Mr. Gregory stated that while traffic and gridlock is a problem, there
are other things to consider.
Committeeman Werderich thanked Mr. Gregory for bringing his concerns
to their attention and for submitting some possible solutions.
Catherine Niesen of 103 E. Somonauk Street, Yorkville, IL stated the following:
• She resides next door to Realty Executives.
• She feels that a no parking ban would become an issue as there
would be nowhere for her family to park during family gatherings.
Ed Niesen of 103 E. Somonauk Street, Yorkville, IL stated the following:
• He feels a no parking ban is overkill.
• He feels it would be more practical for the City to limit parking
during peak hours.
Jesse Hammond of Realty Executives Success, 101 E. Somonauk Street,
Yorkville, IL stated the following:
• His biggest concern is the safety of the high school students that
work in the evening. He feels the parking lot is too far from Route
47 and cannot be seen. At the present time, they park in the
parking lot when they arrive to work. When darkness falls, they
move their vehicles to the street in front of the building. Chief
Martin stated that he felt that parking lot was safer as parking on
the street increased their potential to be hit while entering/exiting
their vehicles. Mr. Hammond stated that he disagreed and that he
feels that are at greater risk by being in a parking lot alone in the
evening. He stated that people walking through the parking lot
have frightened him. Mr. Gregory added that the parents of these
employees are appreciative of the fact that they park on the street,
as they are concerned for their children's safety in the parking lot.
Chief Martin reiterated that he is still more concerned about them
being on the street in the evening. He stated that this issue has
been a problem for over 20 years.
• He feels the ban would interfere with their desire to expand their
business.
Chief Martin stated that the Police Department is not trying to put
anyone out of business. He is concerned about the safety of
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children, buses and parents on the roadway going to and from
school.
Discussion took place regarding the `near misses' that have
occurred in the area for many years. Chief Martin stated that the
Police Department has seen over 50 `near misses' in a year's time.
With the population up now, it is time to address the issue. He
stated that perhaps he would support a daytime no parking ban. He
will look at the traffic studies and the Police Department will do
more.
This matter is being moved to the City Council and COW Agenda of December
18, 2008. Public notices will be distributed so that the public can address the City
Council.
Chairperson Spears asked to move Additional Business next in order for the remaining member
of the public audience to address the Committee.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
Mr. Norm Harrington of Mulhurn Court and East Kendall, Yorkville, IL stated the
following:
• The intersection of Mulhurn Court and East Kendall Drive is a T intersection. He
stated that there is presently a yield sign there and feels that there should be a stop
sign. Chief Martin stated that traffic studies do not warrant a stop sign.
• He stated that overgrown bushes are a problem. Chief Martin stated that Lt.
Schwartzkopf would look into the matter. If they are a sight problem, the owner
will have to take care of them.
• He stated that there is no particular time period in which there are problems. Lt.
Schwartzkopf stated he felt the problem is vehicles coming off Countryside Drive.
Chairperson Spears stated that the Committee would return to the regular agenda.
PRESENTATION:
1. Planning, Designing and Constructing Police Facilities:
Lt. Schwartzkopf and Retired Sgt. Diederich gave a presentation regarding a new
Police Department. The following are highlights from the presentation:
Determine the size, land, parking, role of architect, and role of contractor
Phase I
• Identify and document facility problems
• Build Police internal planning team
• Build political support
• Identify and secure planning funds
• Document policing philosophy
• Establish project pre-design team
• Establish community support for the project
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Phase II
• Conduct needs analysis
• Evaluate facility options
• Conduct size evaluation
Phase III
• Design and construction cost
• Obtain project funding
• Secure and purchase the site
Phase IV
• Determine design and construction services
• Select an architect
• Design the facility
• Build the facility
• Develop occupancy strategy
Lt. Schwartzkopf and Retired Sgt. Diederich learned the following items at
training, which should be considered:
• Possibly add a community room in the front of the building
• Security for natural and manmade disasters
• Employees and police vehicles should have secure, well light
parking lot
• There should be separate entrances for employees, civilians and
residents using the community room
• Visitor and prisoner security should be considered
• Security levels are as follows:
• Low— community room
• Minimal— community relations area
• Median— administration, detectives and patrol
• High — lock up, evidence and property storage areas, armory
and gun range
• With regards to the communications center, it should be built, as
no one knows what the future will bring. It should not be located
in the basement, it should have the highest level of security, and it
should be a small facility with everything they need nearby.
Additionally, openness is key and it should be self-contained with
limited access to others.
• With regards to the locker rooms, the lockers should be large and
ventilated. Shower and toilet facilities should be included.
• With regards to the break room, it should be a quiet area, but large
enough to accommodate several people. It should be large enough
to accommodate a microwave, oven, refrigerator and storage for
dishes, etc.
• With regards to prisoner lockup, it should be a secure area away
from others. It will be the most expensive area per square foot.
The highest liability is this area.
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• With regards to evidence storage, it should have proper ventilation
due to the storage of illegal drugs. It should be compartmentalized
and away from the main building. It needs to accommodate large
items. It should include a small-scale crime lab for processing
basic narcotic cases.
• With regards to the gun range, it should be indoors and of
acoustical quality. There should be bullet traps, proper ventilation,
proper lighting, and storage for range supplies. Additionally the
armory should be built at the same time as the range for security
and ease of personnel.
Members of the Committee made the following comments:
• Committeeman Werderich asked about the location of the building.
Lt. Schwartzkopf stated that it needs to be accessible to residents.
The trend in development has been to build stations in the middle
of town and for them to be multiple stories. The new trend is for
stations to be built out, such as Montgomery Police Department.
Retired Sgt. Diederich added that the size of the building is more
important than the location. Chief Martin added that a station in
the middle of town would be better for accessibility purposes and
that if a station was built along the outer limits of the town, that a
satellite station could be built in the distant future.
• Committeeman Werderich stated that he liked the idea of the
Community Center. He feels that Senior Services could also be
based there. Lt. Schwartzkopf added that in the event of a disaster,
residents would have one place to go.
• Discussion took place regarding Green Facilities.
• The Committee was advised to stop by anytime to see Lt.
Schwartzkopf to discuss this matter more if they desire.
MINUTES:
Committeeman Werderich stated that under Old Business, Item #2 a bullet point should
be added that states `Committeeman Werderich advised all subdivisions listed on the
Police Department report are south of the river". Committeeman Spears stated that under
Additional Business, the engine braking signs needs to be `posted' not `moved'.
Additionally, Committeeman Spears asked for page numbers to be added in the future.
The minutes of October 16, 2007 were approved after the previous changes are made.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. PS 2007-37—Police Reports for October, 2007
Discussion took place regarding the following:
• Committeeman Werderich asked what K-9 training is. Chief
Martin stated that the training is for both the dog and the handler.
They train twice per month to keep the dog obedient and current.
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They work on bites, drug locations, human tracking, and the bomb
dog works on locating explosives.
• Committee Werderich noted a large spike in overtime. Lt.
Schwartzkopf stated it was due to Hometown Days. Lt. Hart
added that there is a church detail weekly, however, the church
refunds the City for those payments.
• Chairperson Spears stated that vehicles M3, M4 and M5 were
scheduled to be replaced in 2007. Chief Martin stated that M3 and
M5 would be removed from the fleet as soon as the replacement
vehicles are received.
• Committeeman Werderich noted that it is nice to see the letters
received by the Police Department.
• Chairperson Spears stated that the donation made to the Police
Department is wonderful. Committeeman Sutcliff asked what it
would be used for. Chief Martin stated that he would be meeting
with the officers to get ideas. She added that she felt it would be
nice to honor Ms. Perkins memory.
This item is informational only.
3. PS 2007-39—KenCom Staffing
Chairperson Spears stated that there are staffing problems at KenCom. She asks
everyone to contact County Board Members if you feel this is a public safety
issue. Mr. Todd Milliron stated that the issue was discussed at the County Board
Meeting and that KenCom is drastically understaffed by population ratio.
Chairperson Spears added that if voices were heard, maybe it would make a
difference.
4. PS 2007-40 — Request to Purchase LiveScan / Also item #5 PS 2007-41
Request to Purchase New World Software
Chief Martin stated that this is a fingerprinting program that will send fingerprints
directly to the Illinois State Police. He noted the following:
• Fingerprints are sent via a T 1 line.
• There has been $125,000.00 budgeted to do this in the past 2-3
years.
• The City will enter an agreement with County, New World and
Oswego. The City will have the ability to interact with other
communities as information is shared.
• The actual cost will be under $125,000.00 for both programs.
Committeeman Werderich asked what New World is and if it is used
internally. Chief Martin stated that it is reporting software. It is used for
Detectives, patrol reports, supervisor capabilities, and lockup facility
reports. There are approximately 12 other add-ons. Chief Martin added
that the software would replace the current software. The department will
be linked to County and other departments. Information from other
departments will be immediately accessible.
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Committeeman Werderich asked if LiveScan dovetails New World and
what the monthly cost is for. Chief Martin stated that LiveScan is the
fingerprinting software. There is a picture package. The 3 departments
are splitting the cost. Chief Martin stated that the monthly cost of$400.00
is for the T1 line. The benefit to the software is that it is quicker as
responses are received right away.
Chairperson Spears wished to note that the purchase of the New World
Software was previously approved.
Items 94 and 95 are being moved to the November 27, 2007 Committee of
the Whole Consent Agenda for approval to purchase.
6. PS 2007-42—Request for Cadet Pay Increase
Chief Martin stated that the Cadet's pay was not previously increased. The
purpose of the request now is that the state has increased minimum wage and they
feel it would be best to have the starting pay higher than minimum wage to aid in
the recruitment process.
It was noted that the current Cadet is on the Patrol Officer list.
This item was moved to the November 27, 2007 Committee of the Whole Agenda
and City Council Consent Agenda.
OLD BUSINESS:
2. PS 2007-23—Committee Liaisons Appointments
Chairperson Spears stated that there are 3 committees that this committee works
with. She asked for nominations to the committees.
Committeeman Plocher nominated Committeeman Sutcliff as the School District
115 liaison. Committeeman Werderich agreed with the nomination. Chairperson
Spears stated that she felt it was a conflict of interest and could be perceived by
the public as such. The nomination stands.
Committeeman Plocher nominated Chairperson Spears as the Human Resources
liaison. Committeeman Werderich and Sutcliff agreed with the nomination.
Committeeman Plocher nominated Chairperson Spears as the KenCom liaison.
Committeeman Werderich and Sutcliff agreed with the nomination. (Meetings
are held at 5 pm on Tuesdays or Wednesday and are 4 times per year.)
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
Committeeman Sutcliff—Discussed the following issues:
• She asked the status of candidate signs. Assistant City Administrator
Olson stated that a letter is being drafted at the present time. Additionally,
they are looking at sign ordinances.
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• She asked the status of the portage. Chief Martin advised her to speak
with Dave Mogle, as he is aware of what is going to happen.
Chairperson Spears —Discussed the following issues:
• She asked the status of the engine braking signs on Route 47. Chief
Martin stated that he thought they were posted. Lt. Schwartzkopf was
unsure if they had been posted.
• She asked the status of the stop sign fee being raised on Countryside.
Chief Martin was not informed of this issue. Assistant City Administrator
Olson stated that the matter is being looked into.
Committeeman Werderich—Discussed the following issues:
• With regards to the email he received regarding inspecting streets in his
ward to determine if there should be parking or not, he feels that a
professional should do that. Assistant City Administrator Olson stated
that the City would do that systematically after input is received by the
Alderman. Additionally he stated that he felt developments with narrow
streets should have those streets identified prior to residents moving in.
Chairperson Spears added that the Fire Department identified streets a few
years ago that they felt they could not get their emergency equipment
through.
• He asked the status of Route 71 from Route 126 to Route 47. Chief
Martin stated that there is an extra watch and enforcement there. Officers
are logging offenders and writing tickets.
Committeeman Plocher—none
Chief Martin — There are 73 people left on the testing list. Oral interviews will be held
in December. The department will hire 2 officers by March and another 3 by March of
2009. Testing includes a written test, physical and oral interview to create the first list.
Next a background investigation is completed, the candidate takes a polygraph, physical
agility test and a vision test. Then a new list is created. It could take up to 6 months to
have candidates hired.
Lt. Schwartzkopf—none
Lt. Hart - none
ADJOURNMENT OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING:
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Margaret M. Hartigan.
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P 5 L7
EXECUTIVE
Iti
SUCCESS
Public Safety Committee of the United City of Yorkville City Council
As the Owner and Managing Broker of Realty Executives Success, I wish to
express concerns over the proposed parking hail on East Somonauk Street
between Rte. 47 and Colton Street/Bristol Avenue as illustrated on your neap
provided to us. The proposed changes would inflict irreparable harm upon us and
our business, so we ask this body to give strong consideration to our concerns.
1. The Parldng San would cause a Financial Hardship Realty Executives
Success and its Employees.
A.) The Ban Constricts our ability to Grow our Business
1.) Current number of employees vs. parking access
a.) 10 current employees / 27 current parking options
b.) 10 current employees / 7 proposed parking options
2.) Projected number of employees in 12 months vs. parking access
a.) 16 projected employees / 27 current parking access
b.) 16 projected employees / 7 proposed parking options
It's Impossible to grow our business with less than 50% parking availability for
our employees.
IR C)C1 24113 W. Lockport St , Plainfield, IL 60544 ® Office: (815) 436-6000 Fax: (815) 436-6779
m
'101 E, Sornonaok 5t., Yorkville, IL 60560 a Office: (630) 553-8400 Fax: (630) 553-8404
REALTOR
B.) The Ban Forces us to choose Another Location for our Business
1.) Direct Moving Costs
2.) Building Improvement (build-out) Costs of New Location
3.) Advertising/Publicity costs Associated With a Move
4.) Lost Business due to a Move
5.) Potential Loss of Employees due to the Move
11. Imposing a Parldng Ban Conflicts with the Current Zoning
A.) Current Owner and Current Tenant have unproved and maintained
property to the City's standard since obtaining Proper Zoning.
B.) Restricting Parking to 7 spaces for 3,000 square feet of available space
is overly restrictive
111. Safety Concerns are Exaggerated
A.) No tangible evidence is provided to document safety issues
B.) Additional traffic lights may be necessary at additional intersections to
address the issue
C.) Somonauk Street could be widened and local residents compensated at
fair market value for all loss of.frontage resulting from such action
D.) Safety threats for local residents Increase if they are forced to park 1+
blocks away from their homes
IV. Parking Ilan Will Greatly Reduce the Property Value of 101 E.
Somonauk Street
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
1) Take no action
2) Limit parking on the south side of Somonauk. Street
3) Limit parking on both sides of Sonionauk. Street in front of 101, 102, 103,
and 104 Somonauk Street
Respectfully Submitted November 20, 2007
U
Jeffrey Gregory, Owner/Managing Broker
Realty Executives Success