Public Safety Minutes 2000 08-22-00 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
AUGUST 22, 2000
Attendees:
Mayor Prochaska
Larry Kot
Mike Anderson
Rose Spears
Chief Graff
Prior to the meeting beginning Chief Graff invited everyone to view the newly installed
Lightning Detector now mounted on the roof of City Hall. Chief Graff gave everyone an
overview of it's operation and announced that two more will be here probably this Saturday.
LIGHTNING DETECTOR
Alderman Kot asked for an update on the costs for this.
Chief Graff stated the remote detector cost is $895.00
Alderman Kot stated we should begin making arrangements for the 4th lightening detector, and
continued that he was concerned with the detector at Fox Hill since the brain is here at City Hall.
This would mean that a lightening warning could warn of a storm just 3 miles from Fox Hill
since there is two miles from City Hall to Fox Hill and our warning area is a five mile radius.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the City could get a brain to locate at Fox Hill that would receive
and transmit back to the base at City Hall. Perhaps this could serve as an outpost from a hill. It
could be programmed to activate other detectors. Our priority originally was the Riverfront Park
and the Van Emmon Ball Fields, but the Soccer Field at Fox Hill will be installed in the Spring.
Mayor Prochaska advised that Fox Hill should be prepared as a remote for now.
Chief Graff stated he would check on the cost for a transmitter.
Alderman Kot stated the Chief had done a great job in getting this done.
Chief Graff stated that Lieutenant Martin had done a lot of the work on this too.
ON SITE ASSESSMENT UPDATE
Chief Graff stated they are working on the time-line for implementation and formatting, as well
as addressing issues. This will come to COW on 9/7/00 to have City Council discuss and be
ready for acceptance. 'Final documents should be ready possibly by Friday, or no later than next
Wednesday. This will go to COW for presentation and questions, and be good to accept by
September. Officers have been asked to volunteer for a development team to build cooperation,
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work on grants, etc. over the next 6 months. Police Department will have a good information on
where they are going in the next 5 years.
BUDGET REVIEW
Alderman Kot stated the PD. is under the projected overtime hours regarding investigative hours.
The money will be received within about 6 weeks which will be $5500. for overtime from
CPAT. We will probably receive this in October. This should be shown this way in the budget,
so we know this is not a budget item.
Chief Graff stated they will have one more year of funding, ending October 30th.
Alderman Kot stated that out of a total of 41 hours OT., 28 hours this pay period(2/3 ) will be
paid by grant money. This would have been helpful last year when we were over budget.
Chief Graff stated that next year they will do two payouts rather than one, and it will work better.
Mayor Prochaska asked how the rest of the Public Safety budget was.
Chief Graff stated they have some car expenses.
Mayor Prochaska stated he had spoken to Bob Allen because based on his Treasurer's Report
shows that there has been a steady increase in the PD. Allen had told him he would work with
Mr. Nanninga for Capital Expenses.
Chief Graff stated there had been some errors due to funds being keyed into the wrong accounts
which reflect the PD. being in the red. With this corrected the PD. will show running in the
black.
Mayor Prochaska requested a new copy of the Treasurer's Report to show the PD. Capital. This
may be an issue with acceptance of the Treasurer's Report for May, June& July if they are not
correct. One report should be prepared to reflect those 3 months.
Chief Graff stated that last year they had 680 hours of overtime as of 8/31,this year they have
618. Harold is doing a good job.
Alderman Kot stated this was good.
GRANT UPDATE - SKATE PARK
Chief Graff announced that the park is now officially ours, so if needed for some reason, perhaps
a storm or something similar, we could close it down. Sue Swithin is working on a policy for
operating. Skate Park has now opened, and the kids have had EMS Responder Training.
Basically what to do. The Red Cross has come out to certify, and we have CPR as well. It is a
goal to have volunteers and vendors appreciation days and it is tentatively scheduled for
September 9th. They are working on preparing a list now. Ameritech has moved the line.
Crime Stoppers are doing O.K. They are working on trying to figure out how to do a reward
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system for the callers. They will do some gift certificates, movie passes, passes to Skate Park.
The first week of school is tough, so we need to wait a couple of weeks.
GLEN PALMER DAM UPDATE
Chief Graff stated that the creation of a hazard zone is a problem and they are looking at how to
create this in relationship to the lawsuit aspect, and inspecting and maintaining the signs. They
have been asked to send the standard agreement with an 800 number of where to call when the
signs are down of damaged.
Mayor Prochaska stated we needed a check list.
Chief Graff agreed that we do need that and a daily log, since the biggest thing if documented
over several days if a sign is down. This will be great for Spring.
Alderman Kot stated that he is aggravated by being put off, adding this has gone on long enough.
The target was last year, its very aggravating.
Chief Graff stated that warning signs in the water for boaters is one thing, but they are reluctant
to put in hazard signs.
Mayor Prochaska stated this is because water is an obvious hazard, but below the bridge people
don't know the hazard risks.
Chief Graff stated that in the police call last June, the divers didn't want to come out because of
the high water we had.
Mayor Prochaska asked about a universal sign for "No Swimming".
Alderman Anderson stated that by the time the signs are done,the Dam will be coming out.
POLICE REPORT - JULY 2000
Chief Graff stated that during July the PD. had 3500 man hours. With Crime Reports and
Traffic Citations this equals June. Roadside Safety Checks and DUI's are up a little. The PD.
did a press release and got another Roadside Safety Grant because they liked it and the good
press.
Alderman Kot stated that the police cost is up for Battery incidences.
Chief Graff stated these are kids, sex offenses, and family related.
Alderman Kot asked if there is any evidence of gang activity.
Chief Graff stated that in Yorkville we are not seeing any evidence to indicate any gangs. The
PD. lap top computers are coming soon and then we will have faster access when running license
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plates, but nothing has changed locally. Landlords are doing good checks on potential tenants
and no one has moved here.
Mayor Prochaska asked if the youth involvement here can be attributed.
Chief Graff stated yes, and also youth church related activities. Cross and the Congregational
Churches both have successful youth programs, and are youth oriented. There are more Bible
schools this Summer too.
Alderman Kot stated we are not even seeing minor stuff any more.
Chief Graff stated that people are talking to each other in the driveways all over town, and people
are walking more and more.
Alderman Kot stated this is a compliment to the PD.
Chief Graff stated that one more hump is not getting over crowded in the schools. This lack of
trouble has a direct reflection back to community unity. When schools were split shift in the past
there were a lot more problems.
Chief Graff stated that Dan Pleckham will go to truck enforcement school in September.
Alderman Kot asked about the Vehicle Report and asked if the rebuilds were a bad idea.
Chief Graff stated that with rebuilds it is always something. They are at about 30,000 to 35,000
miles now. Ron Diederich will put a report together on this. We may use them up to 10,000 to
12,000 and then put them on a different kind of use. He may want to try another test car of
rebuilts. The Expedition is one year old now.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Alderman Kot asked about the new personnel hired.
Chief Graff stated that Kathleen Burnet has worked for Bank One where she handled issues.
Their attorneys gave her a good report, stating she did good cover and was good on confidential
matters, labor issues, etc. She lives on Strawberry and will consider full-time in the Spring. Her
husband is 5 years from retirement. She will take her next CPA class. John Helland, and Greg
Coomes are on bikes now. During this coming Winter the Bike Patrol will visit Bike Clubs to
promote. Don Schwartzkopf and Terry Klingel have been riding and try to have every weekend
out, plus night patrol.
Alderman Anderson asked if they had three bikes.
Chief Graff stated yes.
Mayor Prochaska asked about saddle bags.
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Chief Graff stated, yes,they carry a first aid kit, and crime prevention package, & cuffs. Peddle
and Spoke has been supportive and the Bike clubs too. The third bide is from Mudslinger in
Plano.
Alderman Kot asked if Bikes are in use in Kane County.
Alderman Anderson stated they were being used in Kane.
Chief Graff stated that Officer Delaney has had training for Child Safety Restraint and will do
something with Kiddie Campus on this issue. John Helland has advanced DUI training.
Alderman Kot asked if there a is enough interest for the young cops.
Chief Graff stated yes, and they have suggested perhaps another D.A.R.E. officer in the future.
Alderman Kot stated that Stacy is interested if we do add another.
Chief Graff stated yes, she is very interested and also in domestic violence.
Alderman Anderson stated they are staying and that is what you look at to see if they are happy.
TATOO SHOPS
Alderman Kot asked about the Tattoo Shop Ordinance, and when we could expect something on
this.
Chief Graff stated there are some changes, but this will be a zoning request. It will be looked at
as zoning, procedural and health aspects request. The final draft should be ready for the next
Public Safety Committee meeting with an action plan. They haven't gotten the age restriction
covered yet, and need to know about restricting beyond the state law. They are looking for a
public hearing in November.
LIQUOR ORDINANCE
Chief Graff stated that the Dram Shop Insurance is a General Liability and is unsure about
placing a requirement at 1,000,000. The state has non-wage earners at$30,000 and wage earners
at $40,000 for liability limitations. The owner negligence goes to liability limitations. For other
businesses we can regulate insurance.
Mayor Prochaska stated we do for Special Events with the Riverfront and Carnival, after 8:00
P.M. you must be 21 to be in the bar area. In regard to the $100. non-refundable application fee
suggestions, it will be applied to the first years license. This will cover the cost for background
checks should an applicant withdraw, or be refused for some reason. It also goes to the
seriousness of this application.
Alderman Kot stated that perhaps this should be in addition to the license fee since a lot of time
and expense goes into doing a background check.
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Mayor Prochaska stated that this fee was just intended to cover our expenses fees attached to
someone who applies and is turned down. And, that is not as easy as you may think. Only once
did we deny and that was due to lack of parking at Dannelli's. If they do get licensed then it is a
factor of the license fee. This deters the not so serious from applying.
Chief Graff stated that Dean will work this out with Dan. Sandy and the Mayor have the renewal
issues and perhaps this can be done by April 15th for more lead time for review and on getting
licenses issued so holders can have them displayed by May 1 st.
Mayor Prochaska stated that in regard to revisions and amendments. Do we want to limit
licensing in certain areas of licensing. Shell will be applying soon. Will there be more and
more?
Alderman Kot asked if there were no limits.
Mayor Prochaska stated that only tavern licensing is limited.
Chief Graff stated that the courts came back with rulings specific to taverns. With others you
enter an anti-trust area.
Alderman Anderson stated that we are looking for business to come to Yorkville, can we restrict
business.
Mayor Prochaska stated we can limit within a certain distance by a spacing mechanism.
Chief Graff stated we can limit by frontage.
Mayor Prochaksa stated that also by square footage. For instance within 100,000 square feet you
can allow one. The other thing is do we want to look at limitations, or could a person put this in
a house within the allowable parameters.
Chief Graff stated he would look on the Internet for limitations and Home Rule.
Alderman Anderson stated that with Strip Malls, your could see this all over.
Mayor Prochaska stated that they need to look at all of this and also see what other towns are
doing and how they deal with it. Currently Liquor sales allowable is determined based on a
percentage of total sales.
Chairman Kot stated this should be brought back to Public Safety next month with information
from attorney Kramer's office and Chief Graff.
SCHOOL TRAFFIC
Chief Graff stated they had run some time tests but they didn't reflect anything different. They
did determine that it is better to be positioned in the middle of the road if directing traffic, so if
directing traffic you must wear a traffic vest. The will be positioned at entrances and exits.
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Chairman Kot stated that the visibility of the vests goes a long way.
Chief Graff stated that he has heard only positive comments and once the IDOT plan comes
together we can review or change. He is working with Brian Debolt and Jay on a deceleration
lane on Somonauk. The cost will be $8000. to $9000. if bid out. The school says they can save
money. We may see something for Spring for Public Works project.
Alderman Anderson stated that for the most part, this would be part of the redo for Somonauk
and Game Farm Road, getting poles moves, etc.
RED RIBBON WEEK
Chief Graff stated there will be a Proclamation for October 21-29. There was a breakfast, and
the Mayor was there, and next week they would coordinate efforts. The Police Department is
taking the lead this year. Nancy Reagan started this and it is strong now and they are looking for
strong City participation.
Mayor Prochaska stated they wanted to let kids come in and do some decorating at City Hall.
Chief Graff stated the Proclamation is always part of it, and decorating the town. Libraries, and
Churches are all participating. Officer Groesch will put out notices and announce what
participation we are looking for.
Alderwoman Spears asked if this would be posted in the stores.
Chief Graff stated, yes and there will be red tag sales and the Chamber of Commerce is working
on promotions.
TWO HOUR PARKING ORDINANCE
Chief Graff stated that Officer Diederich is on vacation, but he will want to do a survey. He will
talk to business owners and asked what they are looking for. What is needed is day hours for 2
hour limit.
Chairman Kot stated this should go to COW for recommendations.
ROADSIDE SAFETY
Chief Graff ran a video tape to show the proper usage of Road Spikes. The Risk Managers have
advised that there is a high risk of litigation. This should go to City Council for policy approval.
This will be on the agenda for COW on 9/7/00.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderman Anderson stated that there is a stop sign in the Bristol Road area that should be
reviewed due to the closing of Bristol Road. The area traffic flow doesn't make sense and needs
to be re-visited.
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Mayor Prochaska stated he remembered that studies had been done on this area not long before
the closing, but they should look at this again since the road closing. The Church there will have
an impact too.
Chief Graff stated there is a Certified Engineer that they had talked to about Greenbriar Road,
and that "Yield Signs" do not need a survey, unlike other signs. With the change coming to
McHugh.
Mayor Prochaska advised Chief Graff to get prices, they also need to look at the areas of
Greenbriar& Walsh and some areas in Fox Hill.
Chairman Kot asked if we should do a City wide review.
Mayor Prochaska stated not this year. Engineer should make a recommendation.
Chief Graff stated he would see about these two spots.
Mayor Prochaska stated that some groups are looking for space and asked if there was any office
space available at the Resource Center.
Chief Graff stated there was space available, as Health& Human Services was not using their
space.
Mayor Prochaska stated there should be a Proclamation for "School is Open" and advised Chief
Graff to draw one up from the sample changing the dates.
TOWN SQUARE PARKING
It is staked for signs and they will be installed as soon as JULIE is finished, and get signs in at
the Riverfront Park.
WING ROAD RESIDENTS
Residents have complained that this is being used as a short cut and to avoid the stop sign at
route#71 and Route #126.
Mayor Prochaska asked that the police patrol during rush hour. We cannot close the road
without Kendall County permission, and asked Chief Graff if we could do more enforcement
there in the morning and afternoon.
Chairman Kot asked if we could coordinate with Kendall County and do this jointly.
Chief Graff stated that in regard to Suzy's they are working with Kendall County to do a joint
noise ordinance.
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Chief Graff stated that Senior Services is promoting a 'Beacon Light", it is a devise that they are
selling to seniors to put into a bulb socket. When you turn it on, turn it off, and back on it begins
to flash on and off. They will promote this through Neighborhood Watch. They suggest a test
using a closet socket.
Adjourned 9:30 P.M.
Minutes by Sandy Marker
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