Public Safety Committee Minutes 2006 02-09-06 Page 1 of 5
PPR VE 3/9/06
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Thursday, February 9, 2006, 6:30pm
City Conference Room
In Attendance:
Mayor Art Prochaska Police Chief Harold Martin
Alderman Dean Wolfer
Alderwoman Rose Spears
Guests:
Mark Gilmour, Resident Dervin Allen, Resident
Barbara Gilmour, Resident
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Mayor Art Prochaska.
The Mayor asked Alderwoman Rose Spears to be Chairperson of the committee as senior
alderman and senior committee member, Ms. Spears accepted that position and thanked
the Mayor.
1. ApprovaUCorrection of Minutes: November 10, 2005 and January 12, 2006
The committee could not formally approve the minutes since there was no quorum, Ms.
Spears noted, however, that there was no minute taker's name on the November 10`h
minutes.
2. PS 2006-07 Overnight Parking Ordinance—Long Term Parking
Chief Martin acknowledged the presence of guests Mark and Barbara Gilmour in regards
to the overnight park ordinance. He said three situations have arisen with the new
parking ban, one of which was at the Gilmour residence. Former Alderwoman Ohare had
spoken with the Gilmour's with no resolution reached. Their particular problem is
finding a place to park their truck/trailer on Bruell Street and their neighbors have taken
issue with their parking in the front.
Mr. Gilmour has attempted to find other locations for their vehicles with no success. One
spot he had found was $150 a month plus insurance, C1rief Martin had previously told
Mr. Gilmour that if no solution was found, the matter would be taken to the City Council.
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Mr. Gilmour said he felt the truck/trailer was more of an aesthetic issue than a safety
issue. The trailer is 18 feet long plus the length of the truck for a total of 30 feet. T'he
trailer is hooked to the truck when it is parked on the street because the ordinance
requires that. He said he has been parking it away from the driveway of his neighbor
across the street so that it does not pose a problem for the neighbor. If'he parked in the
driveway, his trailer would cover the sidewalk.
The Mayor asked if Mr. Gilmour could park the trailer on the side of the garage. This
would require Mr. Gilmour to cut down two of his trees, it would be too close to his
neighbor and that area is on a slope. The trailer usually contains new golf equipment
that he sells. He would be willing to park the truck/trailer away from his residence if the
City found a place. He said he has parked at the former Lion's pool, however, the area is
not secure. He has also spoken to a local farmer, but he would then need to purchase a
car to travel to that location. He also cannot park the truck/trailer at his office since it is
in Hampshire (45 minutes away).
Chief'Martin suggested that maybe a commercial fenced-in lot might offer him a reduced
rate. However,the trailer cannot be disconnected from the truck with a load of
equipment. Locations in the industrial park and other sites were also discussed. The
Gilmour's also said they are seeking alternative real estate where they could move. The
Mayor and Chief both said they do not want the family to have to move and would give
them temporary permission to park at their home since a solution is being sought.
Alderwoman Spears suggested providing a list of possible names/solutions and the
Mayor will contact Lynn Dubajic for suggestions.
The discussion of the Gilmour's situation concluded at 6:55pm and Mrs. Gilmour said
she appreciated the City's efforts on their behalf
Ms. Spears said she had received a call from the Engelhardt's in her ward who also have
a parking situation due to the number of'vehicles they own. The Mayor said the City
must have flexibility in these cases and this constitutes a"hardship" in any fixture request
fora variance, Currently, there area handful of"hardship"type cases and the committee
agreed that they are obligated to find a solution. A long-term permit (6 months to 1 year)
was suggested and it would be issued to a specific vehicle.
Chief Martin said a resident of Teri Lane (a cul-de-sac)has drafted a petition to allow
parking on that street. Petitions are also available at the City and the Chief noted that in
many cases, the situation is a long-term one. It was noted that petitions would not be
issued for seasonal vehicles. However, parking a seasonal vehicle in a paid location puts
an undue burden on the resident according to Alderman Wolfer. Mayor Prochaska
added that the City must be careful about dictating peoples' lives.
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Committee members will speak with Bill Dettmer regarding the ordinances and it was
noted that the covenants of some subdivisions prohibit parking certain types of vehicles
in the driveway. The Mayor also said that this matter should be discussed at Public
Works, Alderman Wolfer said the connnittee should make a clear recommendation and
address this situation before March I51.
This matter will be moved to C..O.W. for input from the other Council members.
Language will also be added to the ordinance that states "...long term permits will not be
issued to homeowners who use their garages for other than vehicle storage." Ms. Spears
said that information should be put in the newspaper after the ordinance passes. This
will move to the February 2151 C.O.W.
(moved forward in agenda to 48)
8. PS 2005-09 Gift Basket Liquor License
An amendment to the Liquor Control Ordinance was drafted by Attorney Wyeth and it
includes a classification for Gift Basket Sales. A Yorkville business owner requested
this to be able to sell liquor inside gift baskets to be taken off premises. The liquor
cannot be sold separately and it must be for delivery only. This moves to C.O.W. on
March 71h.
(following was not on the agenda)
At this time a resident, Dervin Allen,joined the meeting. He stated his son had been
issued a"failure to yield" ticket on the prior Tuesday at a yield sign at Pleasure and
Prairie. Mr. Allen stated that no other cars were present and he did not understand why a
ticket was issued. He said the officer had told his son, that the son should have slowed
down at that intersection and that a ticket could also have been issued for leaving the
roadway. Mr. Allen stated that there were no tire tracks on the grass.
Chief Martin said that the Police Department often publicizes problem areas, however,
the schools do not feel they can announce this type of information. Mayor Prochaska
added that the City is not targeting Idds because the offenders are not always kids., Chief
Martin said he would determine if the police camera was taping at the time of the
incident. The Chief and Mr. Allen will also meet on February 10th.
.3. PS 2006-04 Police Reports for January 2006
The DARE. car mileage was briefly discussed. It is being replaced
The following points on the police reports were noted:
o Ms. Spears said she had received very positive feedback on the cadet patrol in the
neighborhood.
a Additional cadet positions will be added to the 2006-2007 budget.
e Community relations were down due to the weather,
• Drug-related offenses were increased due to the "on the move" safety check in
January.
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•
The overtime has decreased due to the use of part-time help.
• No grant was received for 2006.
• Two thank-you notes were received.
• Beacon News reporter wrote article on classes being taught for alcohol training
for bar-owners and bartenders. Yorkville Police Department is the only
department in Kendall County who has trainers for this.
• Chief and Lt. Schwartzkopf'are attending an institute which certifies police
officers and provides executive training.
• Speaker of the House Hastert will provide a"bomb" dog and free training.
This report will move to the C.O.W, on March 7a'.
4. PS 2006-05 Maintenance Proposal for Fire Alarnn System at City HalbPolice
Station:
Chief Martin said that currently no one maintains the fire alarm system and a firm called
Thomas Alarm was suggested. For a annual fee of$600,they will inspect the system
twice a year. He said that this maintenance item and contract should be transferred to
Administration who oversees the building. Alderman Wolfer said the company needs to
ensure the strobes are synchronized since that can affect an epileptic person.
i
5. PS 2006-06 Request to Hire Two Additional Patrol Officers
Chief Martin said two officers were to have been hired in October, but won't be hired
until the end of'February. Two others are to be hired April 1", PTI classes are available
March 27h and he would like to take advantage of that. Because of the timing, this
matter will be pushed forward to the February 2151 C.O.W. It was noted that there are
similar classes at C.O.D., however, more lead time is needed for availability. The State
reimburses the cost of classes.
6. PS 2005-13 Countryside Parkway Addresses
Alderwoman Spears said the information regarding an update of deeds and costs had not
been received regarding changing addresses. (According to Dean Wolfer, KenCom is
working on a satellite program that will file all addresses and any pertinent medical
information.) Approximate costs will be obtained and this matter will be brought back to
committee in Mai ch.
7. PW-2005-16 Heartland Circle Construction Traffic
This matter came from Public Works. The original agreement is still needed and Chief'
Martin will speak with Joe Wywrot about obtaining same. Speeding construction trucks
in this area were also discussed. A speed study was done and some tickets were issued.
This will come back to the Public Safety committee with the contract.
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ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
Alderwoman Spears asked if anything would be done with business registration. No
action will be taken at this time according to Chief Martin, but this will be brought back
next month.
There is no information yet on skateboards and related ordinances so this will come back
to committee at another time.
There was discussion of illegal use of handicap parking spaces. The cadet is currently
monitoring these spaces and Chief Martin added that the illegal use of these spaces was
more prevalent during bad weather. The committee will ask Glory Spies to issue a press
release regarding use and enforement. Alderman Wolfer said that the Citizen's Patrol can
help monitor these spots as well. Chief Martin said he believes in"zero tolerance" for
illegal use.
Alderwoman Spears said she had received a letter from a resident of Country Hills
Subdivision complaining about speeders. She turned this letter over to the Chief for
follow-up.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm,
Respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker