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Public Safety Minutes 2012 05-03-12 APPROVED 6/12/12 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING Thursday, May 3, 2012 6:30pm City Hall Conference Room In Attendance: Chairman Carlo Colosimo Alderman Larry Kot Alderman Rose Spears Alderman Chris Funkhouser Other City Officials in Attendance: Police Chief Rich Hart Deputy Chief Larry Hilt Deputy Chief Don Schwartzkopf Others in Attendance: None The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Chairman Colosimo and a quorum was established. Citizen Comments: None Minutes for Correction/Approval: February 2, 2012 The minutes were approved as read on a voice vote. New Business: 1. PS 2012-08 Police Reports for January-February 2012 There was a brief discussion regarding a recent suicide and also attempts and how the press handles these. Alderman Kot asked to receive emails in the event of suicides so he can respond to constituents. Alderman Colosimo said the Chief had notified him and Alderman Gilson since the incident was in their Ward. Chief Hart said he would improve the notifications in the future. The committee also briefly discussed the procedure that would be followed if a homicide occurred. If canine units are needed, Kendall County is called. Alderman Kot said he would like to see a canine unit for Yorkville again and Chief Hart said several officers would be interested. In the past, the dog was donated as well as dog food and services. These monthly reports will move to the Council consent agenda. 1 2. PS 2012-09 Noise Ordinance Revision Chairman Colosimo asked to have this revision placed on the agenda. He said he received calls from residents regarding loud bass at night. Chief Hart addressed the matter and said there is no perfect system for noise detection and that most incidents are neighborhood disputes. He said sometimes the noise meters do not work properly and measuring noise is not easy. He prefers to leave these types of situations to the officer’s discretion. If a ticket is written for a noise complaint, the case will be heard in the adjudication process. Alderman Kot said that when the Rt. 47 project begins, there will be construction noise, however, Chief Hart and Alderman Colosimo said ordinances were passed in the early stages of the project agreement to exempt this. It was also noted some of the work will be done at night. Alderman Kot said it will be important to notify residents in advance. Alderman Funkhouser thought it would be beneficial for the police to discuss constructions issues/noise at the department level and to keep this issue on the agenda for next month. The police department will continue to educate the officers about noise complaints and the ordinance. Alderman Funkhouser asked for an update at the end of summer. 3. PS 2012-10 Tornado Siren Update Chief Hart said there have been many hurdles in the siren installation. He cited coordination difficulties with J.U.L.I.E., ComEd and Fulton Technologies. Power hookups are needed and placement sites were also at issue. Deputy Chief Hilt said he was told today that the sirens should be installed within 2 weeks. Chairman Colosimo also noted that the sirens had been approved last September well before the tornado season and now the sirens are still not installed. He told the police staff to send a message to Fulton Technologies that the Public Safety committee is unhappy with the lack of action. In a month if the sirens are not installed, he will discuss with the committee whether or not the contract should be pulled from Fulton. Alderman Kot agreed and added that there had been no past problems with Fulton. This company also performs the maintenance. He said Public Works Director Dhuse had done a great job in working with the various agencies as well. Alderman Spears said she had received calls regarding the lack of sirens. Alderman Kot requested a siren coverage map at the next Public Safety meeting. He also inquired about the lightning detectors the City uses. There is one at the river and at Circle Center. There is also a portable unit. Regarding the lightning detectors, Chief Hart said he and Laura Schraw had discussed the maintenance and whose responsibility it is. While it is a public safety issue, he said he felt it would be the Parks’ responsibility to maintain and fund. It was noted the emergency phone at the river sends an automated message directly to KenCom. The Parks Department has control of this phone. 2 Alderman Kot inquired if land cash funds could be used for lightning detectors. The original funding came from grants according to Chief Hart. The cost of a mounted siren is approximately $4,000 to $5,000 apiece. Alderman Spears suggested that Laura Schraw research grant possibilities. The mobile detector is used at Bridge Park, however, it is not as efficient as the other ones mounted higher. The portables also have battery issues. Alderman Colosimo said the detectors are Park issues, not Public Safety issues. Alderman Funkhouser suggested that since the Parks Department knows the league schedules, they should plan for where the portable sirens are needed. Chief Hart said he will speak with Mayor Golinski and Bart Olson and ask the Park Dept. to pursue this issue following the committee recommendation. This matter will be placed on the agenda under Old Business for the June meeting. Old Business none Additional Business - none There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:15pm on a motion by Alderman Spears and second by Alderman Funkhouser. Minutes transcribed by Marlys Young, Minute Taker 3