Public Safety Minutes 2003 02-27-03 Pagel of 3
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE APPROVED BY THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING COMMITTEE/BOARt
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2003 ON:
6:30 P.M.
In Attendance:
Alderman Mike Anderson—Chairman Alderman Paul James
Alderwoman Rose Spears Alderman Larry Kot
Chief Harold Martin Mayor Art Prochaska
APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES
None
Monthly Police Reports for January 2003
The Committee reviewed the reports and Aldermen Kot and James commented that they
liked the summary report. Alderman Kot asked Chief Martin if he could compare the
current month's number to those from last year. Chief Martin stated that he would check
into this. Other items discussed were the use of the Expedition and twelve-hour shifts.
The reports were sent to the March 4, 2003 Committee of the Whole(COW) meeting.
Semi-Track Trailer Parking within Corporate City Limits
The Committee discussed semi-trucks and/or trailers parked on Hillcrest, John Street and
in the Countryside Center. Alderwoman Spears stated that she spoke with the owner of
Countryside Center, Harold Oliver, who said he would check into the situation and have
the vehicles towed. Chief Martin discussed that the parking of vehicles in some areas
such as the Shell gas station on Routes 71 and 47 violates city zoning. Vehicles can only
park in these areas temporarily. They discussed that there are no areas in the city for
people to park their vehicles long term. Chairman Anderson suggested looking at other
community's policies. Mayor Prochaska and Alderman James suggested that if a policy
is created, alternative parking should be identified. The Committee discussed a few
specific examples of trucks parked in residential areas and Chairman Anderson wondered
if the City wanted to enact legislation for three or four vehicles. The Committee also
discussed vehicles hauling hazardous materials and the state laws that apply to this. It
was decided that no policy would be addressed at this time however if truck parking
becomes a bigger problem, the Police Department(PD) could bring it back to the
Committee.
Request to Replace Part-Time Officer
Chief Martin reported that part-time officer Tina Baird has been gone since August 2002
and he would like to replace her. No additional hours will be added as Officer Baird's
hours were divided between other part-time officers. Alderman Kot asked if the part-
time salaries were holding up and Chief Martin stated that the pay range is from $12.50
to$15.00/hour. He explained that whenever the PD receives an increase the part-timers
also receive a percentage. Even though no action is needed by the Council, Chief Martin
wanted to inform the Committee of the hiring.
Page 2 of 3
Request Last Sergeant's Position (Overations Sergeant)
Chief Martin distributed a memo requesting another sergeant's position which would
place a sergeant on almost every road shift. His memo outlined who the sergeant would
be supervising:
• Detective
• Middle and High School Resource Officers
• CPAT Officer
• 4 Part-time Officers
The sergeant would also be in charges of
• Maintenance and care of all PD vehicles, speed trailer, equipment, squad
computers, radars, portable breath testers, noise meter, RoadSpikes, cell phones,
pagers, etc.
• PD building maintenance issues
• Upcoming PD and City Hall build-out
Also, with this new position all the supervisors should be able to oversee three to four
more officers per shift. This position allows for an increase in the force of sixteen more
officers without creating another sergeant's position and would cost the City
approximately$10,000.00/year. Chief Martin stated that he was not looking to hire a
new person but rather promote a current officer. This would not leave an opening
because the PD is currently testing for new officers as one new officer was already
approved. He proposed creating the position in the next fiscal year.
The Committee further discussed Chief Martin's proposal. Mayor Prochaska noted that
there could be an increase in the salary budget next fiscal year depending on contract
negotiations. He suggested that the creation of the position be delayed until the
2004/2005 fiscal year. They discussed that the sergeant's list was good for a few more
years. Alderman Kot complimented the plan however he agreed with Mayor Prochaska
that due to the contract negotiations looming and the recent promotion of Sergeant Hilt
this should be postponed. The consensus of the Committee was that the plan for the extra
sergeant was a good plan for future growth however the present personnel did not warrant
an additional supervisor. It was decided to revisit the plan at a later date and Chief
Martin thanked the Committee for their forward thinking and open minds.
_Readdress Motorcycle Unit Possibility
The Committee discussed the possibility of a motorcycle unit. The unit would be good
for traffic control, parades, escorts, etc. The PD suggested this be tried on a trial basis.
The Committee discussed the cost of leasing the motorcycles, outfitting them with lights,
full-time versus part-time officers manning the cycles, certification, etc. The Committee
felt the department was not ready for this at this time however the need for the unit
should be revisited next year. Chief Martin stated that he would relay this information
back to the officers. Also discussed was reinstating the bicycle officers now that there is
more manpower available.
Page 3 of 3
McGruff Suit Replacement
Chief Martin stated that it had been previously discussed that the McGruff suit needed to
be replaced. He reported that he included funding in the budget for this and also the
Citizens Police Academy Alumni (CPAA) offered to divide the cost of the outfit in half
The McGruff Dog Animated Costume costs $3,000.00. The costume's eyes and mouth
move and it has an audio tape with songs and dialog. The Committee approved the
purchase of the costume and Chief Martin stated that the CPAA will be able to present
the Council with their contribution at the March 11, 2003 City Council meeting if the
costume would be available by then. It was not necessary for the purchase to be
discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Additional Business
Sidewalks
Mayor Prochaska stated that with the new budget year beginning soon, he asked that
more funding be placed in the sidewalk program. He asked for suggestions for safety
routes and places where additional sidewalks were needed for pedestrian traffic.
Alderman Anderson asked if Freemont was going to go through and suggested there be
sidewalks along it if it does. Alderman James also noted there were no sidewalks on the
east side of Mill Street by Circle Center School near Illini Street. Alderman Kot
suggested that this be further discussed by the Public Works Committee.
Liquor Sampling Ordinance
Alderman Anderson stated that the new sampling ordinance only covered beer and wine
however he saw in the Record Newspaper that Vat& Vine Liquors was hosting a single-
malt scotch sampling. He asked Chief Martin to look into this with Vat& Vine.
Polar Bear Plunge
Alderman Kot asked who the check needed to be made out to for a donation to the Polar
Bear Plunge and Chief Martin stated that it should be made out to Special Olympics
Illinois.
There was no further additional business.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Jackie Milschewski, City Clerk