Public Safety Minutes 2016 10-06-16Page 1 of 2
APPROVED 1/5/17
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Thursday, October 6, 2016 6:30pm
City Hall Conference Room
In Attendance:
Chairman Larry Kot Alderman Joel Frieders
Alderman Seaver Tarulis
Absent: Alderman Carlo Colosimo
Other City Officials in Attendance:
Police Chief Rich Hart Deputy Chief Larry Hilt
Others in Attendance:
Jim Jensen, Blackberry North
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Chairman Kot and a quorum was
established.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: July 7, 2016
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business:
1. PS 2016-15 Police Reports for June-August 2016
Chief Hart reported the number of dispatches is up from the previous years and he gave
the numbers from 2014, 2015 and 2016. Reports accepted as presented.
2. PS 2016-16 Adjudication Reports for July-September 2016
Chief Hart said he is happy with the adjudication system and they are looking at
expanding the items that proceed to the hearing process. If home rule is approved, there
would be a monthly rather than weekly hearing and more cases could be heard. Reports
accepted as presented.
3. PS 2016-17 Request to Dispose of Vehicles
Five vehicle are beyond their lifespan with a couple no longer running. The Police
Department is requesting to put these out to bid as a package and revenue from the sale
goes towards future vehicle purchases. The committee approved of this request and it
moves forward to the October 25th consent agenda.
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4. PS2016-18 Ordinance Amending the City Code Regarding Cannabis Violations
Chairman Kot said this ordinance would allow the City to keep in step with the State law.
Adjudication now is only allowed up to 2.5 grams and the new ordinance will include up
to 10 grams. Alderman Frieders discussed the fines for violations of public bodily
functions. To Mr. Frieder's question about 'emergency proclamations', Chief Hart said
this would be similar to yelling 'fire' in a theater or other false emergency situations. The
ordinance will move forward to the October 25th consent agenda.
5. PS 2016-19 Meeting Schedule for 2017
The committee agreed to continue quarterly meetings on the first Thursday of the month.
Old Business
1. PS 2016-10 Police Department Staffing and Projected Needs Update
Chief Hart said staff studies are being compiled. He likes to maintain 2 officers per 1,000
residents, but the present staffing is only 30 officers and there should be 40 with the
current population. The department is lacking in some positions, deficient in the number
of vehicles (one has run 24 hours a day for 2 weeks) and deficient in office staff. A
dedicated traffic unit is also needed. Chairman Kot asked about truck enforcement and
Chief Hart said he would like a dedicated officer which helps generate fines from $800-
$1,000. A new scale is also needed for this purpose, the cost of which is $10,000 to
$20,000. He said 2 scales are desired due to certification requirements.
Alderman Kot said this information should be brought forward to the upcoming budget
meeting. Chief Hart summarized that he would like 2 more officers, another full time
office person and 3 more vehicles. He added that training budgets and other needs have
been met.
Alderman Kot asked if joint traffic details could be initiated with the County and State
Police. Chief Hart said some other types of details have been done with neighboring
municipalities, but the scales are no longer working. Mr. Kot said he will keep pushing
to have the speed control monitors used especially near the park.
Regarding police facility needs, a study is underway on all City buildings. This item will
be kept on the Old Business agenda as space needs become more critical. The Chief
noted there is still land set aside for a new Police Department, however, sharing space
with the County Sheriff is no longer on the table.
Additional Business
Chief Hart said each year the July 4th fireworks becomes a greater issue for the police and
it is difficult to catch offenders. He said Oswego imposes fines through the adjudication
process and he said there is discussion in Springfield to legalize fireworks.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:05pm.
Minutes transcribed by Marlys Young, Minute Taker