Public Safety Minutes 2010 06-24-10
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APPROVED W/ CORRECTIONS
9/30/10
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, June 24, 2010 6:00 P.M.
City Hall Conference Room
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alderman Werderich, Chairman
Alderman Munns
Alderwoman Spears
Alderman Plocher
OTHERS PRESENT:
Police Chief Hart Jeff Luptak
Police Lieutenant Schwartzkopf Patty Luptak
Alderman Sutcliff Nancy Grunstad
Alderman Gilson Brent Schalhamer, Parfection Park
Pat Binion
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. by Alderman Werderich.
Minutes for Approval/Correction:
None.
New Business:
1.PS 2010-13 – Police reports for May 2010 –
This is an informational item only.
No comments or questions from the committee.
2.PS 2010-14 – Police Department Fleet Update –
Chief Hart updated the
committee on the squad car fleet. In the past few years due to cut backs, vehicles
have not been replaced as previously planned. The Chief expressed his concern
with the state of the vehicles. This item is for the City Council attention.
Alderman Werderich suggested that the City Council start planning for this
however he noted that Chief Hart did not bring forward any plan of action. He
asked the Chief how he would rectify the situation. Chief Hart stated that this is
information for the next budgeting process when the department will be asking for
funds to replace squads; two are already on back order. He explained that one
squad has died and been taken to the junk yard recently. Parts from it were used
to fix another car. There was discussion on the type of vehicles that may be
purchased, if the existing vehicles will last until the next budget year,
maintenance costs, moving police funds into the city’s general fund, etc. No
action taken – for information only.
PS 2010-15 – Parking at Whispering Meadows Park and Prairie Meadows
3.
Park –
Alderman Spears reported that there major safety issues with the parking
at both parks. Residents are parking at both sides of the streets so kids jump out
of cars and dart out. With parking on both sides, other cars cannot pass through.
She stated that is the past she and former Park and Recreation director Mogle
canvassed the area and asked residents if they supported parking on only one side
of Hayden Court. The residents they spoke to supported this during the baseball
season. Signs were supposed to be posted but they never were due to the lack of
funding for the signs. Smith Engineering has allowed people to park in there
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parking lot in the past but has stopped doing this. This matter was discussed at
the Park Board meeting. Chief Hart added that Chief Martin always
recommended a parking lot at sites where baseball games are held. Parking on
the streets causes numerous problems such as blocked driveways, congestions,
fender benders, etc. Alderman Spears recommended that in the future when
designing parks, parking is included in the park design. Alderman Werderich
suggested leaving this matter at the committee level until Administrator Olson can
give a report of the Park Board’s discussion however it was the consensus of the
committee to move this on to the City Council meeting.
This item moved on to the July 13, 2010 City Council – regular agenda.
Old Business:
PS 2010-11 – Parfection Park – Discussion
1.
Alderman Werderich gave Alderman Gilson the floor on this item as he was not
present at the last Public Safety Committee meeting where the issue of golf balls
damaging homes was discussed. Alderman Gilson expressed his displeasure that
the item was placed on the agenda for discussion however proper staff is not
present to give their opinions. Residents already expressed their concerns at the
last Public Safety Committee meeting and came to this meeting to hear the city’s
position on this matter. If the appropriate staff could not be present, he felt it
would have been nice to have been informed so that resident’s would not have has
to come out again. He did not know what could be accomplished tonight.
Alderman Gilson had asked clarification on a code that applied to this matter.
Alderman Werderich and Alderman Munns agreed with Alderman Gilson; they
thought staff would be present for discussion.
Alderman Werderich opened the floor open for committee input. Alderman
Spears asked about the clarification of code. Alderman Gilson stated that
Administrator Olson was unsure if a city code on the books pertained to this
matter. Administrator Olson advised the committee at the last meeting that he
would get an official opinion and bring it back to the committee for this
discussion. Alderman Spears explained to Mr. Schalhamer from Parfection Park
(who was not present at the previous meeting) that staff was suppose to be
investigating if the golf balls from his driving range fell under the city’s nuisance
ordinance.
Alderman Werderich opened the floor to Mr. Schalhamer who expressed his
concern that if this is deemed a nuisance where would it stop? He felt next it
could be his lights, noise, etc. He stated that he is concerned with safety. He
stated that he sent a letter last meeting to be proactive in protecting the neighbors.
He outlined in the letter what he was going to do to correct the situation and has
implemented the outline. He has also planted more trees along the tree line
between the park and the homes. He does not want to put up netting. He wanted
to know how many complaints were received versus the cost of the netting. He
stated that the problem started when Nancy Grunstad’s window was broken. He
explained he got in the middle of it but the golfer did pay for her window. He
reminded everyone that his business was present before the homes were built. He
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expressed his frustration when he learned of last month’s meeting just hours
before it was to take place. He was unable to attend.
Alderman Werderich opened the floor to the public. One resident noted that due
to technology over the past ten years, the balls are traveling further. He stated that
he did not want the balls in his yard; he had two this week. He stated that at the
last meeting, affected residents brought in 100 to 200 golf balls they collected
from outside the park, on their property. Other residents added their experiences
of getting balls hit into their yard.
Alderman Gilson read from Mr. Schalhamer’s letter stating a low number of
complaints have been received. He stated that just with the residents present
tonight, there have been more balls reported in the last month. He stated that the
problem seems not to be as rare as it is being portrayed. If a ball hits someone it
will be a different story.
Ms. Grunstad noted that there has been more property damage than reported.
Residents have experienced damage to their house siding but never complained.
When her window broke, she had enough of being “a good neighbor”.
Alderman Spears noted that the discussion and decision on this matter is difficult.
People moved next to a golf range. She stated she would like to see the neighbors
and the business work together to solve the problem. The residents present were
not open to this as it is projectiles coming into their yards. There was a brief
discussion of possible solutions, liability, etc.
Alderman Werderich asked for direction from the committee. It was the
consensus to get more information from the staff (Legal and Building & Zoning)
and bring the matter back to the committee.
Additional Business
Tree Removal
Alderman Spears stated that there is a large tree in her area that is hanging after the storm
last night and she asked if anyone know of a reputable tree removal business. Alderman
Plocher gave her information.
Affects of Storm
Chief Hart reported on the numerous calls due to the storm last night as well as the
damage to property. There were no injuries. Kendall County is presently at 85 severe
weather warnings as compared to a total of 120. KenCom and BKFD suffered lightening
strikes and are having problems with their systems.
Administrative Hearing Process
Alderman Werderich expressed his concern with the Administrative Hearing process. He
stated that during the hearing for the nuisance tickets for the Hammon property, Mr.
Hammon showed up with an attorney and the city did not have legal representation. He
felt this was a hole in the process. Chief Hart stated that it was a Building & Zoning
Department ticket and the police department has given the Building Department training
since then. Alderman Spears stated that she attended the hearing and the city looked
foolish. Staff was not prepared and Administrator Olson got up and presented the city’s
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side after the matter was closed. Alderman Plocher asked how much money does the city
want to “throw” for a $75.00 ticket. The committee briefly discussed the matter.
There was no further discussion.
Alderman Werderich entertained a motion to adjourn. So moved by Alderman Spears;
seconded by Alderman Munns.
Motion approve unanimously by a viva voce vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Minutes transcribed by City Clerk Milschewski