Public Safety Minutes 2000 09-26-00 THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2000
In attendance:
Chairman Kot John Church
Alderman Anderson Pete Austin
Alderman Paul James
Alderwoman Rose Spears
Chief Tony Graff
KENDALL COUNTY SALES TAX INCREASE
Mr. Pete Austin and Mr., John Church were given the floor to give a short presentation on
Kendall County's proposed sales tax increase.
Mr. Austin stated that he had met with the Chamber of Commerce and they will probably take
action at their October meeting. Chief Graff had been very supportive, and asked if the City of
Yorkville would be interested in taking part. Perhaps a committee could be formed to discuss
this increase. Points to stress are: property tax is a big issue, and with the speed of the population
expansion, it puts stress on the system. The 6 1/4% sales tax is as low as it can be in the state of
Illinois. Nearby areas have shoppers coming from outside the area to shop where the tax is less.
Mr. Church stated that he wanted to stress one point. This increase is for public safety only.
Mr. Austin stated that juvenile detention is becoming a problem,they have surpassed all their
expectations for housing, and have an arrangement with Kane County which is $105.00 per day.
Mr. Church stated they have made a commitment to pay off some areas that are now paid
through real estate tax revenues, and are committed to paying $500,000. toward the debt service
through he year 2011.
Chairman Kot asked if they had an estimate on the amount, and if revenue from growth wasn't
enough.
Mr. Austin stated that the States Attorney's office has had a 40% increase in 3 years.
Mr. Church stated that the Department of Revenue told them that if this 1/4% increase had been
done in 1999,they would have collected $900,000. during 1999., excluding auto sales tax.
Mr. Church stated that many of the counties around this part of the state have already done this.
They include LaSalle, Peoria, Boone, Stevenson and Vermilion.
Chief Graff asked if they had done a study on new tax coming in.
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Mr. Austin stated the tax revenue coming in might maintain where they are now, but continued
that they are not in a maintenance mode. Criminal justice is taking a larger and larger part of
Kendall County's budget.
Alderman James asked if that 1/4%was ear marked for public safety, is there a time limit, and
how do you tract it.
Mr. Austin stated they have an audit every year that would track the 5%to the state,the 1%to
the municipality., and 1/4 to Kendall County.
Mayor Prochaska asked if Kendall County gets the I% if the sale is outside of a municipality.
Mr. Austin stated yes, but there aren't many of those out there, and once this is in place Kendall
County cannot raise it.
Alderman James asked why they targeted sales tax for this need.
Mr. Church stated that sales tax is their only option.
Chief Graff stated that this is good because it brings money from outside Kendall County and the
clients served by the Kendall County jail are Kendall County residents, so basically they help to
support Kendall County residents.
Alderman James asked why the one using the services were not forced to pay, or have it added to
their court costs.
Chief Graff stated they have no money,these are the ones who have not posted bond, and are still
in jail.
Alderman James asked if this could be added to their court costs.
Alderman Anderson stated this is paid when they post bond,these people haven't been able to
post bond.
Mayor Prochaska stated these people have no money.
Chief Graff stated that this cost has to be reasonable also,the judge would argue on reasonable
costs. Additionally, Kendall County pays for KenCom who mans the phones to provide 24 hour
service, 7 days a week. Yorkville pays nothing for Ken Com. If the dollars keep competing,
property taxes will pay this, and if they don't find the dollars they will probably access the
municipality. Additionally, we don't have a jail because Kendall County accepts all our
prisoners. It would be helpful to get some of this money through taxes collected from people
passing through. Kendall County will consider future talks.
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Mayor Prochaska stated that no one wants more taxes. There is more and more congestion and
we are just beginning to get some areas where these drive through cars could stop and spend
some money. They do cause some of the congestion and problem, hopefully they will help pay
for it too. Food and gas need to help supplement the costs.
Mr. Austin stated that it was flexible, and can be used in different ways in different years.
Mr. Church stated that this will help juvenile detention, not construction.
OVERTIME REPORT
Chief Graff stated they are maintaining a little lower level, 980 hours of O.T. CPAT is
reimbursing, and will take some of those hours away from being on our pay figures. Once that
happens we are in good shape. Closing the Riverfront Festival one day early did cut back a little
too, and the officers appreciate not having to cover the additional shifts.
CELLULAR BILL
Radio Shack's offer by the minutes would give us a better rate. Chief Graff stated his bill was
about$250. to $300. and has dropped to $150. to $175. with the package. That will start
dropping now as the Ameritech service contracts start to run out. Additionally we may want to
consider an auto payment to avoid late pay fees.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we have gone to them and explained about the delay in payments.
Chief Graff stated they won't consider no late fees.
Mayor Prochaska stated that when employees are inside a building regular phone service should
be used whenever possible.
Alder-woman Spears asked what was done with old phones when we were finished with them,
adding that we should give them to Tom Cross' office as they are re-cycled and used for domestic
violence.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there may be ways to save on this, cost will escalate just due to
technology.
Chief Graff stated that MDT's are a great use, and are direct to KenCom which is great.
Chairman Kot stated this issue should go to the Administration Committee.
LOCKER ROOM
Chairman Kot stated that the Police need the locker room, and he has asked Chief Graff to come
up with some figures to be used with the balance of the building fund.
Chief Graff stated that he spoke to Bill Dettmer who stated that drywall can only be used in
office areas. He also stated that if we general contracted this it would save 15%to 20% and can
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negotiate with local contractors more easily, and Bob Williams had said he would help them.
Chief Graff stated he felt this could be done for about$14,000., and we can work from the plans
we have for the building.
Alderman Spears asked who would act as the General Contractor.
Chief Graff stated Ron Diederich has the most knowledge and experience to deal with this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that this could be done with other building projects for next year's
budget. WE still have some issues on finishing this building and should this should be looked at
with the other building projects. Public Works has a locker room roughed in and they need theirs
too.
Chairman Kot asked what if OSHA comes in.
Chief Graff stated that we would be in violation for bio-hazard contamination.
Mayor Prochaska stated "It would be the same at Public Works".
Alderman James asked about the Fire Department.
Chief Graff stated that is a separate district. We can ship to disposal for small contaminations.
Alderman Anderson asked how much is left in the funding.
Chief Graff stated that he thought there was $22,000 after completion of the file room, and
$5000. for landscaping.
Chairman Kot asked if the committee agreed to have Chief Graff go ahead and get figures. It
would be embarrassing if OSHA came in, and the employees deserve it.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there are various committees that when the 1/2 year comes we need
to look at where we will be and what we want to use it for. We just got the building and that is
the first step. We may have to wait. WE can't strap ourselves.
Chairman Kot stated that getting the prices doesn't commit us.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the building at the Riverfront Park is now getting negative
comments, while we are waiting fro donations.
Chief Graff stated that Angelo is still on tract for the new roof.
Alderwoman Spears asked if Ron oversees the construction, would it be over-time.
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Chief Graff stated no, he would coordinate for the day shift, and we will flip flop and fill in a
little.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Chief Graff stated the employees want to be the assessment team. All employees should be
involved. They are lining up a facilitator from the U of I. The performance reviews will be done
by 1/1/2001 and they will be ready for F/Y in May. They will start development training in late
Fall to early Winter, and have a lot of partners already and all will be able to be a part of this.
The development team will be limited to four.
Mayor Prochaska stated he needed to leave to attend a meeting at the County on the noise issue.
Chief Graff stated that Red Ribbon Week is set for 10/12/00
PARKING
Chief Graff stated Ron had recommended they take a wait and see approach. The other
businesses feel this has been isolated incidences. They will talk to each in a cooperative manner.
WE could draft a letter for the mayor to sign that it was a survey for the Police Department.
Mayor Prochaska stated that monitoring this for 90 days is a good idea. First week is Downtown
meeting and he planned to go.
Alderwoman Spears stated that Alderwoman Burd is the liaison and should be advised also.
Chief Graff stated that the 3rd week of October is Beverage Training. Monday is a good day for
this. He had a call from Kendall County and they want their officers to attend also. There would
be a maximum of 40 for attendance.
Mayor Prochaska stated a letter should be put together for liquor license holders that should go
out as soon as possible. City of Yorkville should have priority for attendance with an on or
before date.
SKATE PARK
Chief Graff stated that October 14th is the Grand Opening from 10 - 2 PM. Mudslingers will
bring their safety equipment. Bikes are now being inspected and some types are being ruled out.
Next summer should be great. All grants are submitted. Invitations will be out by Thursday.
Public Works has picked up the ball and fixed the flooding, and will plant trees next week.
Some will have to wait till Spring.
NEW OFFICER
Chief Graff stated that they have met Money should be awarded in October some time.
Chairman Kot stated they need to come up with a time-line.
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TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT
Chief Graff stated they have received a check for$1020. already which will pay for compliance
checks on tobacco sellers.
GLEN PALMER DAM
Chief Graff stated he was told this will go to the State's legal department and come back. If it is
not soon they will take to Tom Cross.
Chairman Kot stated this is a hazard and something needs to be done.
Chief Graff stated that this is a legal review. They need to establish safety zones above and
below the dam.
POLICE REPORT
Chairman Kot stated that the City is being hit with vehicle burglaries
Chief Graff stated that this is being done by two groups and they know who one of the groups is.
Chief Graff stated this summer they have had more fights and assaults, more arguing, but nothing
big. Car burglaries are the big thing but they think they have them. There were 8 DUI's in
August. There is an influx of cannabis , and more and more is being used by younger crowds,
14-15-16 year olds out in the community. There was one incident in Fox Hill,but John Helland
caught them.
Alderwoman Spears stated that traffic violations are down.
Chief Graff stated that there is more concentration in some areas.
VEHICLE REPORT
Chief Graff stated miles are picking up and beginning to show up in the graph.
Chairman Kot stated he would like to see the year to date for reference. This should go to COW.
POLICE CLERK
Chief Graff stated that the new Police Clerk had to leave due to a scheduling conflict which arose
when he mother broke her hip. They have hired Alexandra Scarpetta in co-operation with the
High School Job Program. There may be times when we will ask her to leave due to any issue
going on. Otherwise she will work 1 - 5 pm.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWSLETTER
Chief Graff stated that Sharon Simmons does a great newsletter for Fox Hill, and she will do the
newsletter and the Police Department will pay her$100. per month for doing the Neighborhood
Watch Newsletter. She will also be doing some typing for the P.D. office, and stay after them to
be sure all are passed out.
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PERSONNEL TRAINING
John Helland and Greg Coomes have both completed a 32 hour Police Cyclist Course. Ron
Diederich completed the course for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Stacy
Friddle attended the Justice 2000 Conference for Safety, Sobriety & Justice. Dan Pleckham
completed Truck Enforcement School.
ORDINANCE FOR TATTOO SHOPS
Chief Graff stated that the ordinance draft shows Tattoo Shops only in M-1 Manufacturing.
Attorney Kramer had asked that this be discussed. We can make specific zoning requirements,
like we have for Arcades which can't be next to a tavern, and we can exclude from downtown,
and maybe a community area.
Chairman Kot stated he didn't want to see this in a community area, and felt this should be
limited to the manufacturing district like the rest. Do we want an age restriction? Dan will put
this together with Deputy Clerk Marker to get the public hearing requirements taken care of.
Committee agreed this should go to COW for discussion and on to last City Council in October,
and we would go with whatever the state requirement for age. This should have an application
fee of$100., a license fee of$100., and fines at$75.00 & $100.
PINEWOOD RESOURCE CENTER
Chief Graff stated that the lease is up and they are now on a month to month lease, so when they
are ready to move into the now site they will be OK. The situation is that when you have the
first meeting, lots show up, and the next meeting 1 person came. They are hoping to make the
move to the new site in January or February, but it may be March. The new owners at Pinewood
would like us to keep the office. We could staff on Tuesday & Thursday from 2 to 6PM.
Chairman Kot stated he would like to try to not have it revert back to the way it was before we
were present there. This item should go to COW for renewal.
NEW POLICE OFFICER
Chief Graff stated that today is the cut off for getting applications in, but they have 4 good
candidates.
Chairman Kot stated that the Public Safety Committee will serve as the interviewers of the
candidates, and each applicant will have 20 minutes.
Chief Graff stated that they will do a preliminary background check prior to the interviews.
Chairman Kot stated he wanted the committee to dress in business attire for these interviews.
Chairman Kot asked that the question of Why they were applying to the list of questions. He felt
it was good to know why they wanted this particular job.
The committee reviewed each questions that would be asked of each applicant to fine tune them.
Chief Graff stated that the Labor Attorney reviews the list of questions.
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JAKE BRAKING
Chief Graff explained that the downtown businesses were complaining about the noise from the
trucks gearing down coming down the hill into the downtown area.
The committee decided an ordinance to outlaw this from Route#126 to Route #34 would be
appropriate.
SALARY SCHEDULE FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
Chief Graff stated that most of these have full-time jobs. They work part-time to avoid the shift
work routine.
Alderwoman Spears stated they have hired a part-time clerk at$10.00 per hour.
Chief Graff stated this was brought up as a part-time police officer is paid less. The first issue is
that$10. per hour is too low. Looking for 5 steps to bring it up to $12.00 per hour, since they do
fill in on holidays, etc.
Chairman Kot stated that he felt this should be raised, they play an important role, and asked
Chief Graff to check what impact this would have on the budget. They take the same risks as a
full-time officer.
Chief Graff stated that this was not important to some of them, but to others it is very important.
This year we can afford some, but not all of it this year. With overtime being in check, we can
re-adjust to about$11. or $11.50 in three increments for the balance of the fiscal year.
Chairman Kot stated they should be raised for next year too.
Alderwoman Spears asked about benefits.
Chief Graff stated that salary for full-time is $31,000 for the first year, which is $16.00 to $17.00
per hour.
Chairman Kot asked Chief Graff to put the numbers together.
Chief Graff stated he would bring this back to the next Public Safety meeting. The officers will
be happy this was discussed.
Alderman Anderson stated they take the same risks and also work the weird hours.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderwoman Spears asked if the Lightening Siren was working.
Alderman Anderson stated he had heard it at his house one night.
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Alderwoman Spears stated she had 2 complaints while sitting in the Business parking lot.
Chief Graff stated they were getting them also. Dean will get something on this.
Alderwoman Spears asked if the Web Page was up and running.
Chief Graff stated all the changes will have been made in the next two weeks. With all the new
stuff, and Molly has been working with Lynn Dubajec. It is cleaned up now, but the kids have a
new teacher and they only meet when we have issues. He is working on getting this rebased.
Chairman Kot stated that the route#47 improvements should go to COW for everyone to have
input.
Chief Graff stated he was under the impression that this wouldn't be in a public forum. We
should look over and bring to staff is what he thought.
Chairman Kot asked about Crime Prevention.
Chief Graff stated that Ron Diederich has been to a seminar for Chamber on Work Place Crime
Prevention, and Bill Dettmer was just to the BOCA Convention and said this was a big item.
The time of design is the time to do crime prevention, and there should be education for business
operators through seminars, etc.
NOISE ORDINANCE
Chairman Kot stated they needed to look at the draft of the noise ordinance that Kendall County
is drafting. We need to adopt something similar and should monitor closely.
Alderman Anderson stated that this is not just the PNA camp, but Suzie's is having bands outside
too.
IDOT UPDATE
Chief Graff stated that the cost to the City for the light at route#47 & Cannonball is $10,000.
Chief Graff stated that while there is a no refund policy,they have asked for a refund for the
Chief s Conference.
DOWNTOWN PARKING
Ameritech will add some parking.
Adjourned 9:15 PM
Minutes by Sandy Marker
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