COW Minutes 1999 07-15-99 CITY OF YORKVILLE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JULY 15, 1999
MEMBERS PRESENT: Art Prochaska, Cindy Green, Lary Kot, Dave Dockstader, Valerie Surd,
Rose Ann Spears, Mike Anderson, Tom Sowinski, Tony Graff, Jim Nanninga, Dan Kramer, J.T.
Johnson, Robert Alien.
Guest present: See attached List.
City of Yorkville K-9 Unit Proposal-Sergeant Swanson from the Kane County K-9 Unit was in
attendance to present information on the duties of a K-9 Unit. The Kane County Unit has been
effect since 1987 and currently average 17 calls monthly. The Unit has been well accepted by
the communities that it serves. The dogs are generally purchased with community donations
and also fed by dog food that has been donated from pet suppliers. The officer or handier is
compensated $8 per day since the dog resides with the handier. The Kane County Unit has had
only 2 dog bites. Both bites were because of the handier being put into danger. The dogs attend
DARE graduations. if the handler were to go on vacation, the local veterinarian has agreed to
board the dog and to care for the animal. The food for the dog has already been secured at no
charge. There will be no additional increase to the cost of liability insurance. One of the
Chevrolet Caprice squads will be used for the K-9 Unit. The equipment to change the vehicle Is
being purchased from another police department and will cost $600. The contract will be to
purchase a 2 1/2 year old Belgium Shepard. The animal has good bloodlines and behavior.
There has been a $1,600 donation from the mother of Todd Berger. The total cost for the entire
setup and animal is approximately$14,000. Other monies available to cover costs are from the
CPAT drug find, community donations, and state programs. K-9 Units are also used in other
communities If needed. The average life span of an animal Is 6 to 7 years. The monies that are
used to purchase additional Units come back to through forfeitures. Training for the dogs has
evolved from a bite training, to a search and find training program. The dogs are not only used
to search for drugs and explosives, but also to lost children and adults. Dogs can be used to
search for lost Alzheimer's patients. To start, Chief Graff and Lt. Martin will be making the
decision when the Unit needs to be called to a scene. At current time an additional$2,400 needs
to be collected. Mayor Prochaska would like to see Chief Graff get pledges from the community
to cover the remaining expenses. This item is to be placed on the July 22 council agenda. The
proposal is attached.
Sewer Stub Policy-The blockage verbiage has been removed. Sewer committee has been
changed to Public Works. This item to be placed on the July 22 agenda.
Minnie Johnson, dedication of property-Alley the East side of Route 47. Clean up and worts
has begun.
Additional Business
City Hall update, the foundation is in and work has started on the water. The carpentry
scheduled to begin on August 1. The project is about 1 week behind projection, but the builders
feel that they will be able to catch up without any problems. There have been several people
looking at the Game Farm house and the city lots. The house will be basically sold for $1 and
will be moved by Sept 16. The purchaser must have financing and contracts signed by the
movers.
Masons-A request of $2,500 for a loading dock by the Masons for a complete sign off on the
property. A General release is required from the city. This item has already been voted on by
the council at the last meeting. The release needs to be signed by the Masons.
There has been a recommendation to name a Park after James E. Price, who was killed by a
rock thrown from a mower. A resolution will be sent to the July 22 council. It was suggested to
invite the Parks Board to the meeting.
The trash pile, at Fox Hill has been removed and billed to the appropriate party.
JT says the grass has been cut at White Oaks.
The library has a complaint with the software on one of the reports. Some of the detail is
missing. Jim will speak with Michelle on Friday.
A concern was raised with regards to outstanding bills to the city due from mowing and weed
cutting. The ordinance allows for liens to be placed on property. The actual time frame in the
ordinance is uncertain. JT thinks that it allows 30 days.
Don Garby now has his well at a cost of$3,800.
Trucks have been using Cannonball Trail. It was suggested that the persons complaining call
the police immediately.
Fox Hill is getting bids on Parks.
Hunting Ban update-The DNR did not designate any safe hunting zones within the city
boundaries.
Respectfully submitted by Cindy Green
CITY OF YORKVILLE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Date
Guests Present:
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