Public Safety Minutes 2018 07-05-18 Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 10/4/18
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Thursday, July 5, 2018 6:00pm
City Hall Conference Room
In Attendance:
Vice-Chairman Seaver Tarulis Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Absent: Aldermen Carlo Colosimo and Joe Plocher
Other City Officials in Attendance:
Police Chief Rich Hart
Others in Attendance:
Fred DuSell, River's Edge Jim Jensen, Blackberry Creek North
Rich Pietrzyk, River's Edge
Vice-Chairman Tarulis called the meeting to order at 6:07pm without a quorum, but for
discussion.
Citizen Comments: (moved to end of meeting)
Minutes for Correction/Approval: April 5, 2018
No corrections were noted, however, the minutes will be brought back to the next
meeting for action due to no quorum.
New Business:
1. PS 2018-10 Police Reports for February - May 2018
Chief Hart said there was nothing unusual in these reporting months. Alderman
Funkhouser noted the reports now reflect whether the statutes are state or municipal
which is part of a new software package.
2. PS 2018-11 Adjudication Reports for April - June 2018
Newark has now joined the adjudication process, according to Chief Hart and their
hearings follow Yorkville's. If the county police issue the adjudication tickets, they will
attend and if the matter is a city violation, the City Administrator will attend.
3. PS 2018-12 Liquor Code Amendment – Employment of Minors
Police Chief Hart said current state law states that municipalities can choose if they want
restaurant servers to be 18 or 21 in order to serve liquors. At this time in Yorkville,
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18-year olds can serve liquor in a restaurant, but must be 21 to sell package goods. He is
suggesting that 18-year olds be allowed to also sell the package goods to standardize the
rules. He said many family restaurants have family members working there who are not
21. This would also allow18-year olds to sell package liquor in stores such as Jewel. He
said Yorkville has had no problems with the current operation.
Chief Hart said part of the issue is some bars also sell package goods. If the age was
pushed to 21, some employees could lose their jobs and it would be a hardship for the
business. Alderman Funkhouser and Tarulis agreed the policy should be consistent.
More information will also be requested of Bart Olson regarding the origin of this
request.
A special Public Safety meeting may be called in order to reach a decision.
4. PS 2018-13 Request to Dispose of Vehicle
Chief Hart said the original plan was to take the vehicle to auction, but the car has a
blown engine and over 100,000 miles, so he said a sealed bid would be a better way to
handle. The vehicle is also not covered by insurance. The cost to remove striping and
equipment is less than $500. Alderman Funkhouser asked for an email regarding the
cost of removing a squad from service and for bid amounts. Proceeds are placed in the
capital fund. No further action at this time.
Citizen Comments (out of sequence)
Mr. Pietrzyk shared a typed statement regarding trains by the River's Edge subdivision
where he resides. Recently there was an occasion where the train was blocking the only
exit from his subdivision for more than 40 minutes. He was very concerned about this
being a safety issue and just noticed this problem this year. He said Illinois formerly had
a 10-minute time limit in which trains could block a street. He said there were over 100
cars on the train and it moved very slowly. Mr. DuSell said the trains have not been this
long or stopped that long before and that it is a serious issue. He said there was a second
incident also.
Alderman Funkhouser said a candid conversation may be needed with the railroad
regarding this serious matter. He said both Bart Olson and Mayor Golinski have a
rapport with the railroad. He said White Oak also has a similar problem.
Chief Hart said the trains have an issue with the curve of the tracks in one area and he
also said he would have a conversation with Mr. Olson and the Mayor. He said there has
been an increase in the number of trains and can be 6 per day.
Mr. Pietrzyk of River's Edge also expressed concern for the speed limit in the subdivision
as it relates to the park there. He would like to have the speed limit posted at 20mph. It
was noted that the state has restrictions on speed signs since Yorkville is a non-home rule
community. Mr. Funkhouser said it could be addressed by Public Works to examine
other ways of reducing speed there. Chief Hart said the park area is one of their extra
watch areas.
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Mr. DuSell of White Oak added that there is no egress on the north side of the tracks In
White Oak. He said that after a train derailment a few years ago, an ambulance was
blocked by the train and the train finally had to be broken apart for the ambulance. He
asked Chief Hart to check on any policy regarding ambulances and trains in similar
situations.
Alderman Funkhouser asked Chief Hart to find out the number of trains per day since the
railroad will not divulge the numbers.
Old Business None
Additional Business
Alderman Tarulis asked about fireworks calls that might have been received. Chief Hart
said the fireworks were cancelled on the first scheduled night due to the weather and he
said there was an ambulance call for a heat-related incident. He said fireworks incidents
have increased over the years and it is detrimental for vets who suffer from PTSD. Mr.
Tarulis said information was put out through one HOA asking for consideration for
others. The Chief said they also disseminate information to be considerate, but to no
avail.
Mr. Tarulis said motorized traffic on the path has decreased. It was noted that motorized
pedal bikes are not allowed on the path unless they are not using their motor.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 6:41pm.
Minutes transcribed by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker