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Public Safety Minutes 2002 02-28-02 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE APP (0)y rte® PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING FEBRUARY 28,2002 6:30 P.M. In Attendance: Alderman Mike Anderson Alderman Larry Kot Chief Harold Martin Alderwoman Rose Spears Guests: None MONTHLY POLICE REPORT—FEBRUARY 2002 Chairperson Spears drew attention to one kidnapping in the police report.Chief Martin stated that it was a clerical error and that particular mark should have actually been in the Liquor Offense column.Chief Martin said he would make a note to have it corrected. Chairman Anderson asked if there were any over-weights in the report. Chief Martin stated that there have been six over-weights since February,with a total of about$6,000.January's over-weights came in around $7,500. Chief Martin also said that they had received the new scales.The report was sent to the Committee of The Whole. FIRE&POLICE COMMISSION Update on Applicants Oral Interviews for 8 on Saturday,February 23,2002 Chief Martin reported that the Oral Interviews went well. There were eight on Saturday,February 23rd and three on Monday,February 25a'. A list will be set up on Monday,March 4h. There will be a meeting on that day and also at that time a time frame for Oral Interviews for Sergeants.The Lieutenants and Sergeants,who took written tests on Feb. I8a',all passed.The Lieutenants Oral Interviews have already been set for Sunday March 10'b. There will be three interviews that day and the Oral Interviews will be set on Monday,March 0. The next step with the applicants will be getting the list together. Once that is done they will also get educational points,and military points of the applicants.When the finalized list is put up, they will choose two,and begin the hiring process.There is yet another process to go through after that, which is the polygraph,psychological, medical testing,and eye testing. Then it goes to conditional offer of employment. If the person or persons do not have PTI(police training),then the individual(s)will have to go to school.If both do have the PTI then they have a ten-week FTO period. After that they should be ready to work the field.Chief Martin then mentioned that if they take two with PTI experience,almost everyone else on the list would not have it,except for may be one other person. Chances are that the next people they would hire would probably not have PTI.That would mean that they would have to send them to school. Chairman Anderson asked if they do not have PTI,when then would they be hired. Chief Martin said that they would have to wait until the persons have completed they're training and are ready to go.He also mentioned that it might come up at the Budget Meeting tomorrow.With promoting to try and hire at least two people next year is like putting ourselves behind an eight ball,to hire someone that doesn't have PTI we would be wasting around six months before we could even put somebody on the street.That is after they found out what date it would be when the person will go to school. Once the person is in school it is still a considerable length of time. It is something that really needs to be considered. Alderman Larry Kot mentioned if people aren't hired and are still waiting to attend school,there is a risk of losing them. Chief Martin`s responded by saying that that could happen,but if someone is hired prior to the schooling,the person can only ride around in the squad car. Chairman Anderson suggested hiring one person with PTI and one with out;just to be sure someone will be there if needed. That way the other person hired could attend school.Chief Martin said that it would depend on what the budget would allow. Tyre will be a follow up at the next meeting on this subject. LIGHTENING SHtENS Chief Martin stated that he had put together a new policy for the Viking Siren and sent it to Attorney Dan Kramer. Attorney Kramer added a disclaimer at the end of it,and thought that it looked good. Alderman Kot mentioned that it follows what they are currently doing,but that it is a more coordinated policy. Chairman Anderson asked if Park View were in the policy since we are using them now. Chief Martin said that they are on there because they can benefit from it.It is still their decision whether or not they would like to be involved in it,but he hadn't heard anything negative from them.He also said that it shouldn't be a problem when they go to talk to them about it. Alderman Kot asked if instead of this being sent May 1'to COW,could it be sent April Ist since that's when tornado season begins. Chairman Anderson said as long as Attorney Kramer has seen it and everyone else is fine with it,it could be sent to COW. Alderwoman Spears stated that the policy should probably be corrected in the first paragraph line four.It should have mentioned the siren to be conducted on city and/or school property. Then on the second page section seven item C,by adding`during none operational months' at the end of the sentence. Chief Martin said it was fine,and he would get the corrections made. Alderwoman Spears then asked if she should take it to the School Board.Everyone agreed that it would be a good idea. Chairman Anderson finalized by noting to add it to the agenda,and sending it to Committee as the Whole. Everyone agreed. Chairman Anderson made mention of a memo pertaining to weather warning siren 5.He asked if this had been sent to Eric Dhuse. Chief Martin said yes,it had.He also said that he put the memo in there to let them be aware that they have been trying for four months to get it hooked up.The problem being that they are having trouble getting electricity hooked up to the site,because the closest spot is at Rt.47 and there is not a facility in which they can hook up too that could provide enough electricity to the siren. They will be meeting with a Representative Rick Billows from Com Ed to discuss how they can get this project launched before tornado season hits. The only other alternative is to run a line from that location on Rt. 47 to the Weather Warning siren,but it would be very costly. Alderman Kot asked if they had had any luck with finding a location for the old firehouse siren. Chief Martin said no,they still need to contact the owner of the property there.He said he will speak with Eric Dhuse about it,and he didn't think there would be a problem with it. The thing they would have to do is set it up on a pole,to set the cup to where it will be of use. They would like to keep it in the same general vicinity,where it seems to be most usefid. Alderman Kot mentioned that Fulton seemed to be concerned with River Valley being covered.He suggested that maybe they could set it by a City owned pumping station. Chairman Anderson said that they would need to get permission from the county. Alderman Kot felt it should be done soon,and on the City's own property. Chief Martin said that Fulton would be able to do the project,but there that it could be costly to move it and to make repairs or adjustments to the siren. Alderman Kot made mention that a device was put on the siren a couple of years ago that was to be used for fire emergencies and tornadoes,so it may not need anything done to it. Chief Martin replied that Fulton said not to be surprised if it may need maintenance. Chief Martin also said that they would receive a dollar amount on the project before the project would begin.He expects it will be somewhat costly after it has been moved and adjustments are made. HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS Chief Martin had done some price comparisons for individual membership fees to local health clubs.He said that the YMCA was the most reasonable,pricing in at$12 per officer. Club 47's was higher at$25 per officer.Alderman Kot asked where most of the officers are working out at this time. Chief Martin said that it would be the YMCA because of costs.Chairman Anderson asked since there are 19 officers,does that mean that all 19 are working out there,and if they are interested in it. Chief Martin said that he hadn't taken an actual survey of the officers,because he felt that he needed to get more feed back from the committee before he said anything to them. Chairman Anderson said that he was curious because he thought that other Public workers might want to have the same opportunities as the officers. Alderman Kot asked if the officers are required to take any sort of physical fitness test. Chief Martin said no.Alderman Kot stated that if there were such a requirement,then there would almost have to be some sort of exercise program for them. Chief Martin replied that that would be a Union issue if there were such a requirement for a fitness test. Alderwoman Spears asked if other towns provided this for their officers. Chief Martin stated that Oswego has a workout room down in the basement of their facility,as well as Kane County. There of course were some initial costs to that,but a lot of the equipment was donated to them.Alderman Kot asked if we had looked into setting up our own workout facility. Chief Martin stated that they had,but there is a problem with there being no room in which to do it. He also said that they had received some equipment from Kane County for that purpose,but that it only provided weight lifting,and not cardiovascular benefits. A health club would provide several options for a cardio workout.It would serve as well rounded work out for the officers. To purchase this kind of equipment would be very costly.Alderman Kot asked if the Field House behind the Middle School would be an option since it has plenty of equipment.Chief Martin said that there would be a big problem with a time frame and access to it since it is the school districts and is used frequently by students.He said he would do some research on it.Chairman Anderson asked if Chief Martin could do a survey to see what the officers interest are about in the matter,and what their individual memberships are running to compare what the Clubs are quoting in the contract. Alderman Kot asked if it there would be a program set up to reimburse the officers who actually use the membership.Chairman Anderson felt that it would not be wise to pay for officers who would not make use of the membership. All agreed. Alderman Kot said that if they were going to pay for memberships,that they would want to make sure the officers would use it on a regular basis,and not sparingly. Chairman Anderson felt that there needed to be more research in the matter. Chief Martin said that he would do that and have more answers at next months meeting. Alderwoman Spears also wanted some information on what other towns are providing,and if it is for all their city employees. She felt there needed to be more information on this matter if in case the question is raised for equal opportunities for other city employees. She also wanted to know if it is the town or the city that pays for it. Chief Martin said he would take note of all the subjects related,and have the information at the next meeting. PROPOSAL FOR NEW CAR Chief Martin reported that he had spoken with Administrator Tony Graff and Traci Pleckham about the purchase of a new car. They said there would be enough money in the budget to purchase one of the Chevy Impala's. They also said that there isn't enough money to out fit it in this year,but at least buy it in this budget year to off set the financing for it. Chairman Anderson said he thought that Chief Martin should have a new car since he represents our City,and goes to the means of driving cars that have been stripped and have high mileage and right now without a first gear.He also asked if Chief Martin was looking to purchase any marked squad cars in this budget year.He said no not this year,but they are looking to purchase four for next budget year. Three will be marked, and one unmarked. Alderman Kot commented that he agreed with Chairman Anderson about the Chief getting a new car.He also said that image is important and that Chief Martin represents the City as our top police officer. All seemed in agreement with the notion. Alderman Anderson asked the price difference between the Chevy Impala and the Ford vehicles. Chief Martin stated that he is looking more towards the Impala because it is$3,000 less than the Ford.He had spoken with the County and other agencies,and received good feed back about the performance of the Chevy Impala. Alderman Kot said he hasn't heard any complaints about the vehicles, and that they are nice looking cars. Alderman Kot asked if it was a State purchase. Chief Martin said yes, both the Ford and Chevy bought this year were State purchases. There were no objections with the statements made on the subject,and it will be brought forward to COW. PROPOSALFOR-CROS SING GUARD At West Somonauk and King St. Chief Martin stated that they have used a lot of reinforcement in the area,particularly at the West Somonauk and King St. school crossing. They observed there to be a problem with motorists not stopping for the children trying to cross there,and also neglecting to heed to the small bus's(special needs children) stop arm and just passing it.They have issued a few citations,even to another bus driver.It is a problem that is being addressed not only with enforcement but with the media as well.Flyers were also sent out to the children in the school district to give to their parents.It has information in it explaining the problems at the crosswalk and passing the small school bus. Alderman Kot asked what the officers are observing in that area. Chief Martin stated that people have claimed not to have seen the signs,and have given other excuses. Red flags have been put up on the crosswalk sign to indicate they must stop for the children to pass.When it gets warm enough,the crosswalk will be repainted to make it more visible.He had a discussion with Eric Dhuse to define the area of the crosswalk so that the message to stop will be unquestionably apparent. Violators have questioned if where the students were standing were in or out of the crosswalk.Others have questioned the location of the students as well. Chief Martin stated that the issue seems to be under control right now,since they have put officers there.Chairman Anderson suggested putting stop signs right at the crosswalks, at least during the times that the children are there. Chief Martin said it is going to be considered.He also said that right now for safety purposes,he has an officer there from 7:30 to 8:05,to cross with the kids. This procedure will go until the end of the year.Having the officer there at the crosswalk seems to calm down those who are in a hurry going through that area.Chief Martin brought to attention that Sergeant Greg Sibenaller has written citations to motorists for passing school buses,and it also included bus drivers passing other buses. Sergeant Sibenaller gave out 3 today already. The citations given out are an automatic suspension of the violator's driver's license.Chief Martin reported that they had spoke with the principle of the school about the problem. The principal indicated he would like to see something done by Friday. The principle stated he would do his part to help out as well and considered having the special needs bus come up onto the sidewalk at the school. Chief Martin said that he asked the principle to consider using the horseshoe on the west side of the school.He has yet to hear back from him on that suggestion. Chairman Anderson asked the Chief how much a crossing guard cost.Chief Martin said that right now they are paying$4,400 a year to have a crossing guard at the south end,during the morning and afternoon(twice a day). Alderman Kot felt that it would be better to have a crossing guard there as opposed to an officer. The officer may be taken away at any given moment for an emergency,leaving the crosswalk unattended. Chief Martin agreed. Chairman Anderson suggested asking the school to split the cost of a crossing guard. Chief Martin said he would look into it. Alderwoman Spears made the suggestion of possibly having two officers at the crosswalk.One to give out citations and the other to help kids cross. She felt it might help get the message across to the motorist.Chief Martin said that having officers there does help. Chairman Anderson suggested looking into adding the cost of a crossing guard to next year's budget. DISCUSSION ON SPEED TRAILER Chief Martin stated that he would like to have a speed trailer,but he felt there were other things they needed to get first.He said he wouldn't oppose to it though because it is something of benefit,but it is very costly. Chairman Anderson thought that if it was something they were considering buying that it might have to come from the budget of both areas.Chief Martin said that Eric Dhuse felt that there were other things that we could use that would be cheaper to purchase than the trailer. Alderman Kot said that he would like to speak with Eric further on the matter.The committee felt that there would be a good use of the speed trailer,but that the budget is a factor.Chairman Anderson suggested leaving it up for discussion with Alderman Kot and Eric.It will be added to next month's agenda. 2002 2003 BUDGET FOR DISCUSSION Chief Martin reported that the 2002—2003 budget isn't enough right now. Things were paired in from what Tracy Plecham had in it,to what Chief Martin had,and that did not include new officers.He added that as far as new city hires,there were none except for possibly the Director of Recreation of Parks.He said that though there were five in the budget that some were cut. Chairman Anderson asked if two were to be hired. Chief Martin stated that one in the budget for June 1',and one September I't.He hoped that if they can only have one,at least have the other ready to go at the end of the year to try and stay ahead. Alderwoman Spears felt that the city really couldn't afford to cut hiring new officers out of the budget.Chairman Anderson asked what the ratio was per officer. Chief Martin said that he was going by a standard through Northwestern,and it was one officer per four hundred people.When factoring in the permits, for us it is one officer per two hundred permits. The number of officers needed will ultimately depend on the amount of permits in by next year. Alderman Kot asked if it was factoring in the new commercial coming,which draws more people into the community. Chief Martin replied that it was an over all factor which ties in commercial,residents,and any administration that may come in.It seems to be the best standard used,and it's been used for the past couple of years here and has worked out well. The goal is to maintain the present budget,which includes hiring one officer to replace Mr. Graff and one new hire. Chief Martin said that he would speak about the concerns of hiring new officers and the use of squad cars at the budget meeting tomorrow.He will also bring up the issue of hiring a crossing guard which he felt could be budgeted with a contingency of$8,000 in the line item that could be used for that.He reported that the police recruit that is in the budget at$5,000,he had in his report at roughly$2,000.If they only get one officer,then it would be half of that.If it were used,then there would be a reimbursement. Other factors are the health club memberships and crossing guard. There is also an amount of about$1,500 that is used for tetanus shots, immunizations,and other things that come up. Usually only about$1,000 of that is used up,whatever we had left was put back. Other factors are the$180,000 for the pension plan. Chief Martin said that he had increased overtime for the officers. They are holding well under the budget, which is set at$66,000 and was put at$83,700.He also increased the part-time salaries from$28,000 to $34,000.The amount would not go up if they were to hire another person.Police Commission comes up to around$14,000. Chief Martin said that he added another$1,000 to budget for the new car purchase because they were still at about 10%what is budgeted right now. That would be around a$4,000 drop because the 4 cars to be purchased would all be under warranty.He also raised the Wearing Apparel up$1,000 in the event that they hire new people.He said he is putting in a grant for vests through the Bureau of Justice, which would return about half of what was spent.Cellular phone is at$5,200 which was the same as he had last year,should come up a lot less since he readjusted the minutes to around 300 a month. The money spent should be roughly around$4,000. The gasoline was a little higher to factor in the rising price of gas. Alderman Kot stated that he had attended a 911 Executive meeting and observed the use of a Track Computer System which is a technology for use of recovery of abducted or missing kids.He felt it would be wise to purchase one for our own PD.It is being offered for$500.He commented that it is a great complete full system consisting of a monitor,CPU,scanner,and color printer.It's a network that is growing every day in law enforcement agencies. All the agencies that have it are preprogrammed into the computer.Other things that can be factored in are school fax numbers,businesses,and banks.The system stays on 24 hours a day and it could be used for other criminal activity.The only other expense is a cost for fax,which is very little.All agreed it would be worth the money to purchase it. Chief Martin stated that the cost could be covered from what is left over in contingency.If all agreed he would like to get things moving on it to get the system purchased.Once it is purchased,he will get it set up online as soon as possible. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Update on Dam Signs Chief Martin stated that the dam signs could be put up just as soon as they receive them.He had not heard back yet from DNR.Eric Dhuse has not mentioned that he has received them yet. Alderman Kot asked Chief Martin to bring it up to Eric at the Staff meeting tomorrow.Chief Martin took note of it and said that he would. No further additional business. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Minutes by Theresa Brady