Public Safety Committee Minutes 2022 01-06-22 APPROVED 3/3/22
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Thursday, January 6, 2022 6:00pm
City Hall Council Chambers
800 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL
Note: This meeting was held in accordance with Public Act 101-0640 and Gubernatorial
Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor Pritzker pursuant to the powers vested in the
Governor under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Due to the ongoing
Covid-19 pandemic, The United City of Yorkville is encouraging social distancing by
allowing remote attendance at the Public Safety Committee meeting.
In Attendance:
Chairman Dan Transier
Alderman Craig Soling
Alderman Matt Marek/electronic attendance
Absent: Alderman Seaver Tarulis
Other City Officials in Attendance:
City Administrator Bart Olson/electronic attendance
Police Chief Jim Jensen
Deputy Chief Ray Mikolasek
Alderman Chris Funkhouser/electronic attendance
Others in Attendance: None
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Dan Transier and he announced
those who were present.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: November 18, 2021
The minutes were approved as presented.
Chairman Transier asked to amend the agenda by moving Old Business--Body Cameras,
prior to the New Business items.
Old Business: (out of sequence)
1. PS 2021-25 Body Cameras
Chief Jensen recapped discussions from the last meeting regarding body cameras and
possible funding grants. He was also trying to obtain answers for questions the
committee had at that meeting.
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Deputy Mikolasek provided an updated quote for 33 cameras vs. 25, which would
provide a camera for each sworn officer. Each camera would have their own charger and
a license is needed for each body camera as well as the in-car camera. Since the last
meeting, the prices have increased for some of the equipment.
Mr. Mikolasek also discussed the amount of time staff spends on burning CD and DVD's
for court. Several hours are spent for this process each year and there are additional costs
for the equipment. Chairman Transier said most departments are going to on-line
evidence sharing.
The Deputy Chief also shared information regarding the capabilities of flagging body
camera footage for questionable incidents, FOIA requests for camera footage and
redaction of information. He also answered some questions from the last meeting
including equipment impact-resistance, fogging, water resistance, etc. Damaged
cameras would be replaced at no charge. Off-site storage would be needed for video
back-up, but cloud storage is limitless.
Deputy Chief Mikolasek's recommendation was the leasing option with a cloud-based
solution for judicial sharing and he also recommended that all equipment be from the
same vendor. The lease cost is $147,970. He said Oswego PD is doing the same leasing
program.
Chief Jensen offered a few additional comments. He said there is currently $50,000 in
the budget that can be used for this equipment. He also recommended the lease program
and he hopes to implement it very soon. He said the first year cost would be about
$39,000 with a certain amount each year thereafter for a total of $147,970. He said the
department prefers WatchGuard since it interfaces with the car units.
Alderman Soling asked how long it would be to receive an upgrade. After the third year,
all new cameras will be received with upgraded technology. If the lease is signed again
after 5 years, new cameras would be received again.
Chairman Transier said he is familiar with Watchguard, saying it is user-friendly and is
the way of the future for evidence. This item will move forward to the Council for
discussion and a vote.
New Business:
1. PS 2022-01 Monthly Report Review for October and November 2021
Chief Jensen reported on the October overtime hours, crashes, Part I and II crimes,
training and calls for service. He noted gas costs have increased.
In November, he reported on the same categories and also mentioned some community
relations events and department promotions. He said gas costs increased $2,200 over
November 2021, but there was a decrease in gallons.
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2. PS 2022-02 Adjudication Reports for November and December 2021
The Chief said many of the cases involved impounded vehicles, garbage complaints,
cannabis violations and dog citations. This is informational.
3. PS 2022-03 2022 Annual Department Goals
Chief Jensen said the department wants to identify goals beyond the usual goals, for
making the city better and safer. They will hold each other accountable for actions,
focus on interacting with the public--making decisions with excellence and measure for
success. They will look at complaints against the department and investigate them. They
will fully analyze all “use of force” incidents and ask the question “did we do the right
thing?” Social media outlets will be monitored daily to determine correctness of
information being shared. Another area of focus will be resolving situations that have
become stressful for officers. The department will be cognizant of the kind of legacy
they wish to leave as a department and as individuals.
Additional Business
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:03pm
Minutes transcribed by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker