Public Safety Minutes 2013 12-05-13Page 1 of 2
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Thursday, December 5, 2013, 6:30pm
City Hall, Conference Room
800 Game Farm Road
IN ATTENDANCE
Committee Members:
Chairman Rose Spears
Alderman Carlo Colosimo
Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Absent: Alderman Larry Kot
Other City Officials :
City Administrator Bart Olson
Deputy Chief Larry Hilt
Administrative Intern Jeff Weckbach
Other Guests: none
Chairman Carlo Colosimo called the meeting to order at 6:35pm, quorum established.
Citizen Comments: none
Minutes for Correction/Approval: August 1, 2013
The minutes were approved as read and approved unanimously on a voice vote.
New Business:
1. PS 2013-23 Police Reports for July-October 2013
No comments, the committee approved on a unanimous voice vote.
2. PS 2013-24 Public Safety Committee Meeting Dates for 2014
The dates presented were approved by voice vote and the time will remain 6:30pm.
3. PS 2013-25 Route 47 Update
Administrator Olson said the construction crew is diligently trying to complete work in the downtown
depending on the weather and is working early in the morning until late at night. Some minor
complaints have been received from motorists, however, Mr. Olson said the IDOT liaison is excellent
and responds quickly. Alderman Funkhouser asked how many incidents have occurred and there were
5-10 issues per Deputy Chief Hilt. No problems have occurred since the lanes have been shifted and
additional permanent, wider lanes are expected prior to snowfall according to Mr. Olson
APPROVED 5/1/14
Page 2 of 2
4. PS 2013-26 Geese Around Detention Ponds
Chairman Colosimo said numerous calls had been received about the large numbers of geese in the
Greenbriar area and photos have been received showing 300-500 of them. They are now encroaching
on private property.
One suggestion was to try coyote decoys since it is less expensive and staff will move them around for
more effectiveness. Mr. Olson said the answer is to naturalize or dredge the pond and the City will be
responsible for this cost. Naturalization should keep them confined to the water and they will not
wander in the tall grass surrounding the pond. Alderman Funkhouser noted that the decoys might not
work well since geese are very intelligent and he added that naturalization will help, but the geese will
still go to the manicured, grassy areas.
Another possible solution is a dog. Mr. Funkhouser said Orchard Valley has a full time dog and it
works very well. It is owned by a caretaker and has been trained specifically for this task. He added
that he is in favor of naturalization and occasional wires could be installed across the pond that prevent
landing in the water. He said well-marked wires can be placed on the land too. Other options include
shooting blanks that would keep them away 2-3 weeks. A strobe light and remote control
“gooseinator” were also discussed.
Alderman Spears asked how BP Amoco solved their geese problem. Mr. Funkhouser said rocks were
placed around their pond. He also noted the State can grant catch & release or catch & destroy permits.
It was decided that coyote decoys will be used first and the progress will be monitored.
5. PS 5013-27 Police Staffing Levels
Two new officers have been hired bringing staff levels to 28 sworn officers with a goal of 32.
Additional civilian help and CSO's will also be requested. One of the new officers is already trained
while the other will be attending Police Academy in January. Alderman Funkhouser asked if hiring the
4 officers will affect the staffing of Sergeants. Mr. Olson said no additional Sergeants have been
budgeted based on the hiring.
Old Business: None
Additional Business:
Alderman Spears requested a list of the hearing officer, fines and end result for the adjudication
hearings. Mr. Olson said this report will be provided.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Ms. Spears and second
by Mr. Funkhouser. Adjourned at 6:56 pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker