Public Safety Minutes 2019 11-07-19 Page 1 of 4
APPROVED 1/2/20
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, November 7, 2019 6:00pm
City Hall Conference Room
In Attendance:
Chairman Seaver Tarulis Alderman Jackie Milschewski
Alderman Daniel Transier
Absent: Alderman Joel Frieders
Other City Officials in Attendance:
City Administrator Bart Olson City Clerk Lisa Pickering
Police Chief Jim Jensen Purchasing Manager Carri Parker
Alderman Chris Funkhouser (arr. 6:21pm/left 6:55pm)
Others in Attendance:
Lynn Dubajic, City Consultant Katie Finlon, Kendall County Record
The meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by Chairman Seaver Tarulis. Chairman
Tarulis asked to move Item #7 to the top of the agenda.
New Business:
(out of order)
7. PS 2019-40 Liquor Code Amendment – Restaurant Class R-1 License
City Clerk Lisa Pickering said the code amendment would allow Class R-1 restaurants to
sell package liquor. Requests have also been received to sell package wine. Three
people have approached Ms. Dubajic about new trends in the dining scene, which include
pairing menu items with certain wines, as well as wine tastings and customers wishing to
purchase those wines. Ms. Pickering said Grace Restaurant opened with an R-2 license
and now they wish to sell bottles to go. As a result they switched to a A-1 Bar and
Tavern license. If this amendment passes, she feels Grace would switch back to an R-1
restaurant license since Grace is considered a restaurant. There are other restaurants in
town with the same situation, said Ms. Dubajic. Mr. Olson added that the amendment
language includes both wine and beer/spirits. R-1 licenses are uncapped, allowing the
business to sell any package liquors or service bar products. He added that 50% of the
sales must be from food in order to have the R-1 license. The committee was OK with
this proposed amendment and it moves forward to City Council.
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Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: September 11, 2019
The minutes were approved as presented.
1. PS 2019-34 Monthly Report Review
Chief Jensen said the number of employees increased from 26 to 31 since September
2018. He commented on the number of car accidents and the top 5 crash sites. He said
the top site for crashes is Bridge St. and Schoolhouse Rd. One officer analyzed the
problem as a sight line issue and if the stop line is moved forward, the view improves.
Since the stop sign would need to be moved to the other side of the crosswalk, it becomes
an IDOT issue. Chief Jensen also presented additional stats on crime, tickets issued and
on squads. He said that Alderman Frieders had sent information on the increasing
number of mental health calls which will be added to the report in November.
2. PS 2019-35 Adjudication Reports for September and October 2019
Police Chief Jensen said this report reflects the usual offenses. The committee would like
to continue receiving these reports.
3. PS 2019-36 KenCom Communications – Radios and Licensing RFP Award
Ms. Parker recapped the discussion from the last meeting regarding KenCom moving to
digital and encryption platforms. Two bids were received by the City with A Beep
offering the more competitive pricing and they already do all the radio work for
KenCom. This 3-year agreement would lock in the price they bid for the radios/mobiles
and encryption licensing. Funding sources are being explored.
4. PS 2019-37 Intergovernmental Agreement for School Communication
Chief Jensen presented a sample agreement between the Police and Schools. Both
Attorneys are reviewing the agreement which would allow sharing of information and he
said the Police are mandated to provide information to the schools on certain types of
crimes. This agreement would identify those crimes, determine who would reach out and
the action to be taken. No action is needed at this time.
5. PS 2019-38 Request to Dispose of Surplus Equipment
Ms. Parker said the PD is cleaning out old items including ones that might have a value
of at least $500, that can be sold or donated. This item moves to the City Council.
6. PS 2019-39 Roadside Solicitation
A request was received by the PD to solicit funds on the roadway. Chief Jensen
examined the previous policy, statutes, etc. and found no firm documentation and the
ordinance neither prohibits or allows it, therefore making it illegal. While he recognizes
the benefit of the charitable solicitation, he is requesting to add the definition of a state
highway to the ordinance and prohibit the solicitation there due to the danger. The
committee agreed with the Chief and discussed alternative areas of collection.
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8. PS 2019-41 Cannabis Local Enforcement
Regarding state restrictions included in the packet, the Chief asked for discussion on how
to handle cannabis violations specific to criminal prosecution vs. city ordinance or
adjudication. He recommended approving all of the restrictions with the exception of
#10—DUI and then deciding the prosecution as a City. Alderman Transier clarified that
the State's Attorney still has the discretion to prosecute certain levels of misdemeanor and
felony offenses. Mr. Jensen said the arresting officer has the discretion of a local or
State charge depending on the circumstance. The committee recommended approval.
9. PS 2019-42 Staffing – Hiring of One Officer
One additional officer will be hired in January bringing the number to 31. Police Chief
Jensen said this will allow for four officers and one Sergeant on all shifts and should
reduce the overtime. He hopes to establish a traffic unit in the future. He thanked the
City for allowing the hiring for proper staffing.
Old Business
1. PS 2019-28 Fleet Status and Options
Chief Jensen and Ms. Parker worked with Enterprise Rent-a-Car regarding possibly
leasing squads. The department is authorized for 23 vehicles and they now have 21. He
prefaced his discussion by saying they are not in dire need of vehicles at this time. In the
packet there are three scenarios regarding the research done for a possible lease program.
The Chief explained the details and costs of the programs available. He said he is aware
that Public Works is also considering this option, but he would be wary of entering into
two lease programs at the same time. Another option is for the city to be their “own
Enterprise” and purchase cars each year on a rotating basis.
Mr. Olson commented on the lease idea and said resale value would be very good, there
would be less flexibility in a recession and the city may have to pay out the lease. Chief
Jensen said Enterprise monitors the vehicle worth and would advise the city of the best
time for trade-ins and they track maintenance. He added that the lease programs do not
include the cost of maintenance.
Chairman Tarulis asked the status of Public Works regarding a lease program. Mr. Olson
said their program would be more complex due to the need for special trucks and more
capital.
Alderman Transier inquired if the Chief had spoken with any other departments who
lease or who have come to the end of a leasing program. He also commented that if the
City is bound by a lease, funds must be specifically earmarked. Geneva PD just began a
program this summer and decided on a 5-year lease with no negative comments at this
point. Chief will do further research for any department finishing a lease option. He said
doing the whole fleet at one time does not make sense. Alderman Funkhouser
commented that if there is no guaranteed funding, it would be difficult to maintain a lease
program. He wants to see what decision Public Works makes.
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Due to many considerations including the high cost, the committee determined that a
lease program would not be entered into at this time for the Police vehicles.
Additional Business None
Executive Session:
At approximately 6:55pm, Chairman Tarulis entertained a motion to adjourn the regular
meeting and enter into Executive Session. So moved by Alderman Transier and
seconded by Alderman Milschewski. Chairman Tarulis read the reason for the Session as
follows: For security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of
personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably
potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public
property.
No further action was taken and the regular meeting was adjourned at 6:55pm.
Minutes transcribed by Marlys Young, Minute Taker