Public Safety Minutes 2003 05-22-03 S
AppRpVED BY THE
ScjTTERD Page 1
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE p
OM3
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY,MAY 22,2003
In Attendance:
Police Chief Harold Martin Alderwoman Rose Spears Alderwoman Wanda Ohare
Alderman Larry Kot Alderman Paul James Attorney Kelly Kramer
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.by Chairman Kot.
APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES
February 27 h minutes were approved. The March 27h minutes were approved,contingent upon the addition of
Alderwoman Spears to the attendance roster,and the correct spelling of Cherese Spears on page 2.
MONTHLY POLICE REPORTS FOR APRIL 2003
On average the number of warnings and tickets were about the same as previous month,but battery cases increased.
Chief Martin stated that overtime was at a low,with 36 %hours for the month,attributing this to the additional
staffing on Memorial Day weekend,but overall cutting overtime 50-60%. Training hours were double those of
April,which will be ongoing in the department.Chief Martin stated they are understaffed two full time officers and
a part-time officer,and stated the force would need two new hires when the Moser development is annexed. The
long term goal is to have 4 staff on each shift. Bike patrol has begun,with the focus being in parks and residential
areas.
Regarding a question by Alderman O'Hare,the fine monies go to the general fund and are used to purchase needed
police equipment,ex. scales. Chief Martin suggested the new officers are familiarizing themselves with the city,
thus the higher mileage on vehicle 4 M-4.
The Thor Guard lightning detector has been replaced at no charge to the city.
REQUEST PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT VEHICLES
Chief Martin stated that Terry's Ford came in at$20,900,which is better than the state bid. Vehicles 3 and 5 will be
replaced. Public Works is requesting one of the vehicles. It is 6-8 weeks is the time from purchase to time on the
street. Most accessorizing is included in the price(ex. Trunk mounts and striping),with a flat rate charged for any
additional servicing. Alderman Spears shared concerns for a backup vehicle,and Chief Martin suggested they keep
one of the cars for times when department vehicles may be out of town,or if there are issues in the winter with
starting vehicles.Chief Martin would also like to have an evidence van for the detectives,instead of moving the
equipment from vehicle to vehicle. He suggested that there is a cargo van available for$16-17,000 that he believed
would be beneficial,because the equipment is not visible from the street,and gives the detectives an"office on
wheels"for crime scenes,and is especially beneficial during inclement weather.
In looking at the proposed five vehicle purchases next year,Chief Martin suggested that the Dare vehicle may not be
an immediate need,because of the higher cost. He will include the van or an additional in the next 6 budget review.
This will go to COW,with the stipulation that Chief Martin speak to Finance Director Pleckham regarding available
funding for a vehicle now.
OPEN ENDED FINE SCHEDULE IN SOME ORDINANCES
Attorney Kramer stated that the city code says a fine cannot be levied for not less than$1 and not more than$500,
and in the motor vehicle/traffic section of the code it states fines can not be less than$10 and not more than$100.
f
Page 2
Ms.Kramer suggested perhaps a fine of$25 for the first traffic violation,with incremental increases of$25,for each
additional violation(up to 3). She believes that the fines currently being charged by the police department are too
vague,but it is not the attorney's office job to determine the fine amounts. Chairman Kot concurs,and suggested
that other cities be polled for statistics regarding parking fines,and was not opposed to Attorney Kramer beginning
a draft of proposed changes for review by the committee. Consistency in the law is the goal,to ward off challenges
by the public. The states attorney's office handles off shoulder parking and improper passing,which are both in the
city code.
The proposed draft and statistics will be on the agenda for the next month's meeting.
WEATHER WARNING SIREN-$7000
The KenCom siren has been taken down,and it will be relocated by the riverfront,at a site that has been
determined appropriate by Public Works. The city has been collecting dollars from developers for a fund for
emergency systems,but in the meantime there is money in a contingency fund that can be used for this purpose.
Seven thousand is the relocation and setup bid.Chief Martin and Chairman Kot feel it imperative that this project
be completed ASAP,for the safety of the Yorkville residents.
This item will go to COW.
REQUEST APPROVAL OF OFFICER AT HIGH SCHOOL NEW CONTRACT FOR 2003-2003
There is a grant for the middle school,but the high school has been paying about 40%of the salary for an
officer. Chief Martin raised it 9%,to$21,664 requested,to be paid in two installments. The agreement is the same
as last year,with the exception of the cost. After approval by the committee, it will go to the school district with
the new cost. On page 2(lb)Alderwoman O'Hare,vice chairman, stated that the department is providing safety at
school events,and does the school system understand that the department does this"free gratis". Chief
Martin suggested that we respond via letter to the school board and Dr.Engler's staff,making mention of the fact
that the district is not charged for all the additional protection given at sporting events.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Chief Martin will be in Boston May 31-June 4 at a"Cops in School"grant conference. Committee
congratulations were passed on to Alderman Spears for Cherese's acceptance into training for the Oswego
police department.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette Williams