Public Safety Minutes 2002 09-26-02 . Pagel of 3
4' It UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE REVISED 11/22/02
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 26,2002
6:30 P.M.In Attendance:Alderman Larry Kot Alderwoman Rose Spears AFF
t5
Chief Harold Martin Alderman Paul James CkA
APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES:July 25,2002
These minutes were approved by the committee.
MONTHLY POLICE REPORTS FOR AUGUST 2002
Chief Martin reported that regarding the mailbox vandalism,that they now have a couple of suspects on the
south side incidents. They haven't had any leads as to who might have done the vandalism to the mailboxes
on the north side of town.The person(s)were said to have been driving a pick-up truck.In some situations
the mailbox was completely taken out of the ground. Chief Martin will report on any news that might come
up later regarding these incidences.
Alderwoman Rose Spears asked about the Truck Enforcement policy and when they are stricken if it meant
that they have been dismissed.Chief Martin said that to be stricken means that it could be reinstated,but
rarely ever happens. This decision for the fine to be stricken is up to a judge to strike or reinstate it.
Alderman Kot asked about the bike patrol. Chief Martin said that they did have some bike patrolling during
the summer. They would like to have done more but they did not have enough people for that. The bike
patrol was especially used when they were having the situations with the mailbox vandalism on the south
side. There are plans to do some more patrolling on the north side.He said that they would be doing more
of it come next spring/summer because they are back to full force.
Alderwoman Spears asked if Sergeant Diederich was able to find any information on the gas tank barrier
that she had mentioned at the previous meeting. Chief Martin said that two of the squads were already
done.He said that the two new squads are having their brakes fixed at the cost of the Ford Company.The
brakes were worn down after only 1,000 miles.There were also some bolts replaced on two of the squads
and the rest of the squads should be done by the end of next week.
Chief Martin reported that the overweight figure for the month of August was$5,700.This is just the total
of the fines. There could be some situations where the individual(s)might have pleaded not guilty on the
rickets or the fines would be reduced if they plead guilty or the case could be stricken.
This item will go to COW on October 3,2002.
LIQUOR ORDINANCE
This item was tabled.
DOG ORDINANCE REVISIONS
This item was tabled.
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAGE FOR BIKE TRAILS
Chief Martin stated that he had Sergeant Sibenaller check on the mid-night shift and there were a number
of places where the signs could be posted.He said that Public Works Director Eric Dhuse said that the
costs would run around$75-$100 per sign. They are looking to post possibly 16 signs at the bike trails in
the subdivisions.The cost for the 16 signs at$100 would come up to$1600.Alderman Paul James asked if
this signage plan was budgeted.Chief Martin said that is was not. Alderman Kot didn't think that this item
was in the Public Works budget but that he would check with Eric Dhuse on that.He asked Chief Martin if
the bike trails have posed any real danger. Chief Martin said that as of yet there hasn't been any incidents
but that it is more common sense to place the signs there especially at Fox Hill with it being the most
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populated. If the money is found to cover the project then the chairmen can sign on it but it will also be sent
to COW to let them be aware of it.
HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT HOURS
Chief Martin stated that the Trick or Treat hours would be from 4 p.m.until 7p.m. The hours have also
been posted in the newspaper.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Revised Priority List
This item pertains to priority lists submitted from the Police Department and Public Works to the
Administration Committee.Chief Martin stated that right now there isn't any extra money to fund the
Police Department Priority List because of the high costs to update software to GASB 34. Alderwoman
Rose Spears said that though GASB 34 isn't a requirement right now,she thinks that the State will make it
one in the future and that it makes finding information a lot easier for everyone.Alderman Kot asked if it
was included in the budget. Alderwoman Spears said that it was and that it would be an overrun.
Alderman Paul James asked about the hiring of the second officer on the list. Chief Martin explained that
the Board of Fire and Police and also of the officer's experience would determine that decision.When the
new officer is hired it would be 10 to 12 weeks before they could use the officer.If they should choose an
officer that doesn't have the experience or training then the wait would be 12 weeks until they can get the
officer in a class,then another 12 weeks for FTO.Any time they go to hire someone there is a maximum of
6 months before they are properly trained for the job.He mentioned that Mayor Prochaska said that if they
have any money left over in their budget and any time they have enough over-time money left over,then
they would look at hiring a new officer at that time. So this could possibly be a budgeted item if there is
money left over in over-time. Currently there is enough money in the budget to hire another sergeant and he
was looking to hire a patrol officer at the same time. Alderwoman Spears commented that it could free up
time for the traffic enforcement officer to cover other areas where it is needed. Chief Martin said that right
now traffic enforcement officers are working shifts and that is why they are behind at times. At this time
they are trying to catch up,particularly as the department is receiving more calls as to where they are
needed. Sergeant Diederich has currently been setting out the trailer device in areas where there have been
complaints of speeders.This has enabled them to send an officer at the specific time to patrol those specific
areas where they are needed. It appears to be a city-wide problem and would be great to have a person
designated to take care of just that particular area.Alderwoman Rose Spears asked if 2 officers are enough
population wise. Chief Martin said that he feels 3 officers would be more sufficient particularly with as
many banks there are in the city and with the occurrence of outside incidences coming closer into the City.
It is best to be prepared for the overflow as the City grows.Alderman Kot commented that there are steps
that could be taken in order to stay on top of these situations and felt it was important to do just that.Chief
Martin agreed and said that it is something that is very highly warranted. Alderwoman Spears mentioned
that there is quite a bit of territory for the officers to cover right now.Chief Martin said that it is 81/2 miles
north to south and 6 miles east to west. Alderman Paul James suggested to bring this item back to the next
Public Safety meeting with a recommendation for what they would need to do for this situation and to take
a look at the budget to see what they can shift to make this request happen.
Furniture Replacement
Alderman Kot mentioned that the State Police had just picked up some furniture from Lucent Technology
and it was all in good condition.He told Chief Martin that he would give him the number of someone he
could contact to see about obtaining furniture for the Police Department. Chief Martin said that there are
specific furniture items they would need,one being a VCR cabinet and chairs.Alderman Kot suggested
that he speak with the person from Lucent about the items they are in need of.Chief Martin said that he
would try to do that.
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MORE ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderman Larry Kot pointed out that he read of a traffic control device that officers could use to change the
traffic lights if needed in case of an emergency.Chief Martin said knew of it and that these devices are now
offered on the Internet for$1,000.It could make it possible for anyone to get one if they are willing to pay
for it.He mentioned that none of the City lights are set up for that. There needs to be a receiver at the other
end in order for it to work. He said that there had been a grant for the Fire Department to buy one but that
it never was purchased.Kane County and Dupage County have the traffic control devices now. He said he
would speak to Mike Hitzman about it and see if he might have any knowledge if there might be plans to
put one in the City.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Minutes by Theresa Brady
Corrected by City Clerk Jackie Milschewski