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Public Safety Minutes 2002 05-23-02 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 23,2002 6:30 P.M. In Attendance: Alderman Mike Anderson Aldexwoman Rose Spears(arrived 6:40) Alderman Paul James Alderman Larry Kot Chief Harold Martin Guests: Mayor Art Prochaska APPROVAL/CORRECTION OF MINUTES: MARCH 2&2002&APRIL 25.2002 Chairman Anderson noted corrections to the March 28,2002 minutes. Alderman Kot was present at the meeting but not listed under"In Attendance". There were spelling corrections on page 2 and 3. Also Administrator Graff is incorrectly referred to as Alderman Graff(pages 3 &4)and Senator Petka's name is incorrectly spelled on page 4. Corrections to the April 25.2002 minutes were on page 1,line 5,which should read"rails"not"rays". Also,on page 2 Mr. Hintzman's name is incorrectly spelled. The Committee approved the minutes as corrected MONTHLY POLICE REPORTS FOR APRIL 2002 Chief Martin reported that the new car was in however his new vehicle had been delayed for about two weeks. Alderman James noted that the Police Department Offense Report reported no speeding warnings January through March but 51 were reflected in April. Chief Martin stated that he could not explain this but he would find out. Mayor Prochaska noted that the report indicated that there was one kidnapping and the Chief explained that under the category of kidnapping it was noted that the offense was unlawful visitation interference.Mayor Prochaska commented that the way this is reported it appears to be two separate offenses. Chairman Anderson asked about the School Resource Officer(SRO). Chief Martin stated that interviews for this position were conducted May 22, 2002. Chief Martin,Lt. Schwartzkopf,Sgt. Diederich,Officer Groesch and Officer Hart interviewed the three candidates. They all agreed that Officer John Helland would be the best candidate for this position especially with his experience with coaching high school students Chief Martin reported that overtime was up to 120 hours. This was due to officers attending training classes and others filling in for them. Also,the department was short two people. The report was sent to Committee of the Whole(COW)meeting on June 4,2002. FIRE&POLICE COMMISSION Applicant Update Jeff Ackland Chief Martin reported that Mr.Ackland was sworn in on May 14,2002. Jeff Johnson&Patricia Cernekee Chief Martin reported that the Fire&Police Commission approved two new individuals,Jeff Johnson and Patricia Cemekee, for hire. Mr. Johnson will be replacing Officer Ikemire and is a CSO with Woodridge. Ms.Cemekee will be replacing the COPS in School Officer in the Middle 2 School. She has a Bachelor Degree in Spanish and speaks three languages. Both will have to attend the Police Training Institute(PTI). Chief Martin recommended that this item be sent to COW for approval. If they are approved on June 4, 2002 at the COW meeting,they will be sworn in at the June 11,2002 City Council meeting. Then they will be sent to Champaign/Urbana on June 17,2002 for training for ten weeks. It will be November before they will be able to be on the streets. These appointments will bring the Police Department up to a fun staff of eighteen full-time officers and five part-time officers. This item was sent to the June 4, 2002 COW meeting. UPDATE ON OLD WEATHER WARNING SIRENS Chief Martin reported that he was waiting to hear from the Public Works Department regarding the relocation of the weather siren located at the old fire department building. Alderman Kot stated that the Public Works Committee did not discuss this. Chief Martin stated that the siren stand was being moved to Newark, Illinois and the paper work on the siren still hadn't been located. Possibilities for the new location of the siren were discussed;the old police department building,Riverfront Parks building,etc. It was decided to discuss the new location with Public Works Director, Eric Dhuse. Alderwoman Spears asked if Illinois First Funds could be used for the relocation. Chief Martin indicated that he spoke with them and the funds are only available for the work that has already been presented to them. He stated that he had$1400.00 remaining in the fimd and he used it towards the maintenance agreement on the weather warning sirens($1200.00)and lightening sirens(about$400.00). He did spend a few hundred dollars over the grant funds but the whole fiord was used. He is in the process of doing the final closeout on the grant. Chairman Anderson asked Alderman Kot to work with Mr. Dhuse regarding the relocation. WEATHER WARNING SIREN-SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE Chief Martin reported that the city is trying to develop a way to pay for weather warning sirens in new subdivisions. A fee could be assessed either per subdivision or per home in the subdivision. Chief Martin stated that he would like to see something in place to add to and maintain the System. Mayor Prochaska stated that it seemed logical to add this to the developer fees for public works, police,etc. He noted that this should be discussed with City Attorney Dan Kramer and also Roger Dahlstrom(with Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies),who is doing a study on the developers fees. The amount for this service should be determined. Chairman Anderson stated that City Administrator Graff suggested contacting the siren company, Fulton for an idea of a fee and checking Oswego's ordinance regarding this. Alderman James asked how much of a radius the sirens covered and Chief Martin and Alderman Kot answered that it was a mile from the center of the siren to the edge of the circle but that varied depending on location. Alderman James suggested that the number of additional sirens be determined and that amount be multiplied by the cost of each. The total amount could then be divided by acreage and the developer would pay a fee based on the acreage of the development. Chief Martin stated that the spoke to Fulton about this and they felt some of the acreage might not be usable. Also,he stated that the cost per siren was$17,200.00. 3 The Committee discussed developments such as Richard Marker's which are already covered by existing sirens but should contribute towards them. Also,developers may need to up front the cost of the siren before the homes are built. Chief Martin stated that he would speak with Attorney Kramer and Mr. Dahlstrom and bring the information back to the Committee. UPDATE ON PALMER DAM SIGNS Chief Martin reported he spoke with Mr. Dhuse and the signs have not been received yet. The Department of Natural Resources(DNR)has been having production problems that have delayed them. The signs will be in English and Spanish. He also reported that the liability of such signs was discussed at the PRIMA Conference in Texas he attended. They suggested that the City Attorney draft a letter stating that the city realizes they are taking on this responsibility(similar to pedestrian crossing gates at the railroad tracks)and keep it on file. Chairman Anderson stated that he did not understand the risk to the city since the DNR are installing the signs. Chief Martin clarified that the DNR is supplying the signs but they do not want to install them because of the liability. Mayor Prochaska stated that currently,if something happens at the dam,the city is excused of liability. Because of the signs,the city may or may not be excused in the future. Chief Martin stated that he contacted Risk Management and they are going to take a look at the situation. Alderman Kot expressed his concern that it is taking too long to obtain the signs. He stated that he had been on the Council for five years and this is constantly under discussion but nothing gets done. Chief Martin explained that every time he speaks with the DNR he receives more excuses for the delay. He stated that he has spoken with an assistant manager,manager and a district head. Mayor Prochaska suggested it was time for the Chief to draft a letter to the head of the DNR and copy in State Representatives Tom Cross and Patricia Linder and Senator Ed Petka. The Committee agreed that this should be done. UPDATE ON FOX&KENNEDY ROAD STUDY Chief Martin stated that a copy of the study by Smith Engineering was distributed. Alderman Kot noted that this was not discussed at the Public Works Committee Meeting because it originated with the Public Safety Committee. Fox Road Mayor Prochaska noted that the study states that Fox Road currently meets regulations but the study should be taken into consideration if any improvements are done in the future. Chairman Anderson asked if the city wanted to get involved with any of the short-term improvements recommended such as flashing warning lights. Alderman Kot commented that he felt that the city should take some kind of action now that the study has been completed. If something would happen in the future at the site without the city doing anything it could cause problems. He agreed with installing warning signs. Chairman Anderson commented that four of the six short- term recommendations(#'s 2,3,4,&5)were doable in the near future. Alderwoman Spears agreed with this. The Committee discussed improvement#6,which recommended the trimming or removal of existing trees that are not within the right-of-way. Also discussed was the use of rumble strips,which the study did not recommend. Mayor Prochaska suggested creating a plan for the improvements and discussing this with City Engineer Joe Wywrot to see if he had any suggestions for financing the repairs. Alderman Kot suggested that Fox Road be included on the list of street projects in order to get an idea of cost for the project. Chairman Anderson noted the Committee's recommendations for Fox Road. 4 Kennedy Road Chairman Anderson noted that the curve on Kennedy Road is not within Yorkville city limits. He questioned how this could be annexed into the city. Mayor Prochaska noted Yorkville is contiguous just until the edge of the curve and that Menard's has purchased the property with the curve. Chief Martin noted that Administrator Graff has been talking to Menard's with regards to annexation. The roadway will come into the city limits once this takes place. Alderwoman Spears suggested sending Bristol Township a copy of the study so they are aware of the improvements needed and maybe they can contribute to the cost. Aldermen Kot and James agreed with this. Mayor Prochaska stated that the developer of the area could contribute to the cost of improving the curve. He stated that the comprehensive plan shows McHugh Road joining Kennedy Road in the vicinity of the curve. That may be the time to realign the road. Mayor Prochaska noted that the city could put a flashing warning sign eastbound however both fatal accidents occurred westbound. It was decided that Chief Martin would send a copy of the study to Bristol Township and Chairman Anderson suggested inviting Jim Heinz from the township to a meeting to discuss what the city and township could do jointly. This item will be brought back to the next Public Safety Committee meeting. DISCUSSION ON LIQUOR ORDINANCE Chief Martin reported that this was placed on the agenda at the request of the Mayor and Alderman Kot because they wanted to discuss a possible change to the ordinance regarding the location of liquor in stores. The Mayor noted that the present ordinance does not address the commingling of products in a store or if the liquor should be in a secured area. A concern regarding this was raised by a citizen in regards to the liquor placement in the new Jewel store. Mayor Prochaska stated that he spoke with the store management before and after issuing their liquor license and they are being cooperative with his suggestions. They have consolidated the liquor in the center with none on outside aisles. Also,they are looking into getting gates to close off the area during off-hours instead of using ropes to cordon off the area Chief Martin indicated that he was contacted by Jewel to arrange a meeting regarding the gates and Mayor Prochaska asked the Chief to have Jewel contact him directly. In regards to the placement of the liquor,he didn't know if an ordinance could specify this but the city could require it be maintained in a separate area. In regards to the commingling,sometimes they have a special on wine placed in the meat department. They have agreed to roll the display into the liquor department when the liquor sales close. Alderwoman Spears asked if the city has a right to request these things. Mayor Prochaska stated that the liquor commissioner as board powers if policy is in place. Chairman Anderson stated that he thought the store placed its liquor department where it did because they felt this was a more secure area. Mayor Prochaska noted that there isn't a problem during the day however the staff at night is limited. The Committee discussed the need for underlying policies for the future. Alderman James noted that when reviewing the ordinance it is kept in mind that smaller establishments might not be able to meet the standards that a large store could. City Clerk Milschewski made the suggestion that since there are several ordinances that apply to liquor licensing that a new ordinance be written to combine and replace all the previous ones. The Committee agreed to take this into consideration. 5 Chairman Anderson asked that all the copies of the liquor ordinances be reviewed at the next Committee meeting in June. DISCUSSSION ON DOG ORDINANCE Chief Martin reported that Alderman James initiated this. Alderman James expressed his concern about invisible dog fences that are placed close to the sidewalk. He stated that pedestrians walking by have no indication that the fence is installed and sometimes dogs charge them and scare the walkers. Chairman Anderson stated that the invisible fence should be treated like any other fence,which require a set back. Chief Martin stated that there is nothing regulating invisible fences because a permit is not required for them. Alderman Kot suggested speaking with Building Inspector Bill Dettmer regarding this and establishing a permit for this type of fencing. Other issues regarding the control of dogs were discussed such as dogs tied in yards or dogs charging regular fencing scaring people. Chief Martin suggested revising the existing ordinance making the fines higher. Alderwoman Spears thought that there had been a revision since 1993. Alderman Kot asked if there was an ordinance prohibiting farm animals in town and he pointed out that according to the current ordinance pet snakes were not allowed. Alderwoman Spears also noted that rodents over one pound,other than guinea pigs were not allowed She questioned pets such as ferrets and rats. Chairman Anderson asked Chief Martin to verify that the animal ordinance had not been updated since 1993. Chief Martin remembered a discussion regarding updating the ordinance but wasn't sure if it was ever done. Chairman Anderson stated that the existing animal ordinances covered issues such as dogs off leases but not the issue of fences. Alderman Kot agreed the invisible fences were an entirely different issue and should be looked at more closely. Chief Martin indicated that he would check with Naperville to see if they have an ordinance controlling these fences. Chairman Anderson suggested restricting the use of invisible fences to backyards and Mayor Prochaska suggested that a set back from a public walkway be implemented. The Committee decided to look into the fee structure of the animal control ordinance and an ordinance regarding invisible fences and bring this back to the June meeting. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Engine Brake Signs Alderwoman Spears noted receiving a memo about the engine breaking signs. Chief Martin stated that the signs are in and Mr. Dhuse will be checking with the Illinois Department of Transportation as to were to install them. Tracking System for Missing Children Alderman Kot asked Chief Martin if the Track system for missing kids was working. Chief Martin stated that he has not looked at the computer himself but he understands it is working and being used. Alderman Kot suggested putting a press release out regarding this so that the public is aware of the new technology. Police Chiefs Contract Mayor Prochaska stated that Attorney Kramer had gotten back to him regarding Chief Martin's employment contract. He wanted to know if this should be brought before the Committee for review. Chairman Anderson suggested the Committee review it and bring it to their June meeting. 6 Defibrillators Chief Martin noted that Alderwoman Spears had an idea for a fundraiser for defibrillators. He indicated that through June 2002 the units could be obtained for under$1500.00,which is half the normal cost. The city currently has three units.One will be placed at the Beecher Center and the other two will be in each of the duty squads. Chief Martin indicated that he would like to have a unit for City Hall. He asked if he could expend the funds now while the units were available for the lower price and then have the fundraisers to but repay the fund the money is taken out of. Mayor Prochaska stated that if the Chief could show that the fundraisers are set up to replace the funds that the Council could consider doing this even though it was discussed that the city would not do this. Alderman Kot agreed with the Chief that the city should take advantage of the lower price for the units. Alderman James asked the Chief if there was something in the budget that could be deferred or eliminated to get the funds for the defibrillators. The Chief stated he would look into the funding. There was no further additional business and the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M. Minutes by Jackie Milschewski, City Clerk