Public Safety Minutes 2020 05-07-20 Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 7/2/20
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Thursday, May 7, 2020 6:00pm
City Hall Conference Room
The Public Safety meeting was held in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive
2020-07, allowing remote attendance due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Committee Members Attending:
Chairman Seaver Tarulis, in-person Alderman Joel Frieders, remote
Alderman Jackie Milschewski, remote Alderman Dan Transier, remote
Other City Officials Attending:
City Administrator Bart Olson, remote Assistant City Admin. Erin Willrett, remote
Police Chief Jim Jensen, in-person Deputy Chief Behr Pfizenmaier, in-person
Deputy Chief Ray Mikolasek, in-person Alderman Ken Koch, remote
Alderman Chris Funkhouser, remote
Others in Attendance:
Katie Finlon, Kendall County Record, remote
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Seaver Tarulis and a quorum
was established.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: March 5, 2020
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business:
1. PS 2020-11 Monthly Report Review for February and March 2020
Chief Jensen gave an overview of the reports. He noted that Detective Nelson was
nominated for Detective of the Year following 2019 investigations. He recapped the
Covid virus reports in March and said the department focused on community policing,
safety and supporting the local businesses during the pandemic. The department has also
participated in celebratory parades. Officer Borowski was also given an award for his
lifesaving efforts. In general, the calls were down in March.
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2. PS 2020-12 Adjudication Reports for February - April 2019
Chief Jensen gave a brief report of the violations and said the adjudications ceased on
March 9th due to the pandemic. The hearings are expected to start up May 11th with
safety measures in place in regards to Covid. Mr. Olson said that he and the City
Attorney are working on guidelines.
3. PS 2020-13 Purchasing Report
Administrator Olson said this is an update on police related items including disposal of
two vehicles. The update also included the status of bids, RFQ's and RFP's.
4. PS 2020-14 Neighbors by Ring Doorbell Program
Deputy Chief Pfizenmaier said some local police agencies are already participating in this
program. He showed a short video illustrating the features of the system and said there is
zero cost for this program. A ring doorbell is not needed and an app can be downloaded
on a smart phone to use the system. Police can also put out alerts in specific areas.
When police canvas residents about a specific event/crime, they can request the video
from the ring doorbell. Privacy concerns were discussed and providing info from the
program is voluntary.
Alderman Transier questioned potential evidence provided by Ring and said it could be
sent to police anonymously. He asked how citizens could remain anonymous if their
Ring is requested for evidence. Mr. Transier said he wants citizens to realize they may
be requested to testify. Alderman Frieders said that “assumed involvement” is addressed
in the “terms of service” for Ring. No further action at this time.
5. PS 2020-15 E-Citation Implementation
Chief Jensen noted this is a budgetary item that could be on the “cut” list in view of the
pandemic. Deputy Chief Mikolasek presented the information and said the e-citation is a
city goal for automation technology improvements and would eliminate paper. This
would be part of the records management system that currently runs through the sheriff's
office program and would be billed through KenCom. Completion of citations would be
electronic and a paper ticket could be printed inside the squad. Information is
electronically downloaded into the police department and Circuit Clerk's record systems.
He also calculated the time savings per document. The Deputy Chief said the Kendall
County Sheriff is already using this and Oswego is implementing it now. It is hoped to
have the Clerk's office pay for a portion of the cost. He has spoken with Ms. Noble and
Mr. Ratos from Community Development about using this system also. There was no
committee discussion and Mr. Tarulis commented he hoped this program could become a
reality.
6. PS 2020-16 Strategic National Stockpile
Chief Jensen discussed a stockpile program which would encompass mass distribution of
equipment, medicines, etc. to first responders and residents. He said Deputy Chief
Mikolasek is working on a plan with the Sheriff's office and Health Department using the
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high school as the distribution location. Staffing, traffic control, maps, parking and
many other aspects are being planned. It is expected to be complete by the end of May
or early June.
Old Business: None
Additional Business:
Chairman Tarulis asked about the Police Department Covid-19 response. Staff has been
given special instructions for handling traffic and the public. Changes to internal routines
and procedures have also been made to keep officers safe. Communications with other
police departments are done weekly for best practices, ideas, etc. Chairman Tarulis
expressed his appreciation for staff especially during the pandemic and Chief Jensen also
praised his staff. Alderman Milschewski asked if any complaints were received
regarding people congregating in violation of state rules. The majority of calls have been
for people not wearing masks, but overall most citizens are following orders.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 6:56pm on a motion by
Ms. Milschewski.
Minutes transcribed by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker, remote attendance