Public Safety Committee Minutes 2008 05-30-08 APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS - 7/24/08
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
800 Game Farm Road
Yorkville, IL 60560
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
City Hall, Conference Room
Friday, May 30, 2008 — 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Chairperson Spears, Committeemen Plocher(late arrival), Sutcliff, Werderich
ABSENT:
None
ALSO PRESENT:
Chief Harold Martin, Lieutenant Don Schwartzkopf, Sergeant Barry Groesch, Parks
Director Dave Mogle, Bob Johnson and Human Resources Commission Members Joe
Zerante and Cecelia Sanders
Chairperson Spears called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. in the Conference Room of City
Hall.
PRESENTATION:
None
MINUTES:
Minutes for the April 7, 2008 and April 24, 2008 Public Safety Committee Meetings
were not included in the packets. These items will need to be placed on the next
agenda for approval.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairperson Spears asked to move#6 to be beginning of the agenda.
6. CC 2008-37—Policy Direction for Human Resources Commission
Chairperson Spears advised the commission that there is concern regarding
the Human Resources Commission, their responsibilities and follow-up from
the City regarding their recommendations. Some of the functions that they
serve include sponsoring the Senior Polka Party, the Historical Street Name
Program, they initiated Character Counts in the schools along with Doug
Trumble, Volunteer of the Year nominations, the 50th anniversary in 2006, etc.
The following discussion took place:
• Former Mayor Bob Johnson stated that in 1997, the function of the
commission was to serve as an advisory body to the Police Department
(Community Oriented Policing). They were to meet quarterly or more
if needed. In his opinion, this commission will have less effect
citywide the larger the city grows. However, there should be
representatives from the neighborhoods and their input should be
solicited.
• HR Commissioner Sanders stated that she feels the problem is with
follow-through on what the Commission does. For example, there
should be a ceremony and better signage for the Historic Street Name
Program. Additionally, applicants should be advised of the decision.
With regards to the Volunteer of the Year Award, the forms are
submitted and not provided to the Commission. The Commission
would also like to create a volunteer registry and a resource book.
• HR Commissioner Zerante stated that he moved to Yorkville in 2003
and chose to get involved. He began volunteering in 2004. He read a
statement that included the following:
• The cost to the City is minimal for token supplies.
• The Commission members make significant contributions to
the City.
• The current and former chairpersons have made great
sacrifices.
• The Commission members have never been informed that they
are doing something that the City does not wish them to do.
• The former Mayor attending most of their meetings. The
current Mayor has attended only one meeting in February,
2008. City Alderman don't attend either.
• He would like to know if there are budgetary reasons for the
City wanting to eliminate the Commission.
• He feels that the Mayor, Alderman and City Administrator
have no first hand knowledge of the time and dedication that
these volunteers give.
• He feels that the Historic Street Name Program, Sponsorship
and the brochures at the Visitor Center have specific guidelines
to follow. He feels that Administration would be overwhelmed
by taking on these responsibilities and wants to know if the
City plans to hire another employee to handle these
responsibilities.
• He feels that the HR Commission has ongoing objectives.
• He feels that the elimination of the Commission is politically
motivated, and if it were eliminated he would not feel
appreciated for the work he has done. Additionally, he would
discontinue volunteering for the City in any capacity if this
were to happen.
• Committeeman Sutcliff stated the she does appreciate all the work that
volunteers do and that she feels that these are vital programs.
• Discussion took place regarding the Historic Street Name Program.
The program includes the following steps:
o Requests are submitted, and then carefully review to determine
if they meet criteria.
• If it is approved, a recommendation is made to City Council.
• If City Council approves, Public Works, the Post Office and
the County need to sign off on the request.
• Unfortunately, there is no follow-through after this point. A
letter should be sent to the nominator and nominee and a
request for signage should be made. These things are not
happening.
• Committeeman Werderich feels that the HR Commission needs to
determine their vision. Additionally, he feels that the disconnect
between the HR Commission and the City needs to be repaired.
• HR Commissioner Zerante stated that builders are required to have
10% of their development named from the list of Historic Street
Names. City Administrator McLaughlin was not even aware that a list
existed. He feels that this is a problem.
• Chief Martin stated that the information regarding builders is included
in the builder packets; therefore, it is understandable that City
Administrator McLaughlin was not aware. Additionally, he stated that
Public Works Director Dhuse currently has some signs, however, he
may not have the time to get them installed. He also suggested that
some type of medallion be placed on the signs.
• HR Commission Sanders stated that the HR Commission meeting
minutes are supplied to the City, however, the HR Commission feels
that they are not reviewed, therefore, items are not followed up on.
• Chairperson Spears feels that the HR Commission could take on other
projects/programs as well. At the present time, the HR Commission
Chairperson is dealing with a family medical issue, so her future with
the HR Commission is unknown at this time.
• HR Commissioner Sanders stated that their commission only has 4 of
its 7 members at the present time. The HR Commission is aware of
letters of interest being submitted to the City Administrator
McLaughlin, however, no one has been appointed to those vacancies.
• Chief Martin stated that he feels he is more attune to the HR
Commission's feelings and will try to fix the problems. Additionally,
he will start attending as many of their meetings as he can. (It was
noted that the Police Department regularly has representation at the
meetings). Chief Martin also stated that he appreciates the work that
the HR Commission does.
• HR Commissioner Sanders stated that with regards to the Volunteer of
the Year Award, the commission has received 7 or 8 applications. The
others that were not selected should receive some type of certificate
and the nominees should be informed that someone nominated them,
however, this does not happen either. Chief Martin stated that he
would be sure this gets done in the future.
• HR Commission Sanders was asked to provide a copy of the meeting
minutes to Chief Martin in the future.
• The HR Commissioners asked if they could review the applicants for
future commissioners, as they would like the group to be an adverse
group of residents.
• The following recommendations were made:
• The HR Commission will create a vision.
• Chief Martin will make a recommendation to the Public Safety
Committee to have the 3 open volunteer slots on the HR
Commission filled. However, the HR Commission members
will have an opportunity to review the applications prior to
appointment.
• A new system of City follow-through will be put into place.
• Staff members from various City departments (such as Public
Works) will be asked to attend the HR Commission meetings
in the future.
• The City will take over the Visitor Center.
1. PS 2008-19—Police Reports for April, 2008
Chairperson Spears stated that she thought the DARE graduation program was
wonderful and she was honored to be there. She feels as though the children
respect Officer Hart and the teachers were very complimentary of him.
Chairperson Spears asked when car M3 would be replaced. Chief Martin
stated that the department is waiting for a seized vehicle process to be
complete, as the seizure will replace M3.
With no further discussion, this item was moved to the Consent Agenda.
2. PS 2008-20— Request for Class G: Beer Garden/Patio License—Fanatics
Sports Bar
The following discussion took place:
• The liquor license has been approved.
• The location is south of Route 47 in the strip mall past Ground Effects.
• Committeeman Werderich was concerned the patio is too close to
residents behind the building. Upon closer examination of the submitted
drawings, it was determined the patio would be on the east side, which is
away from the residential. Lt. Swartzkopf and Sgt. Groesch will meet
with the owner to confirm the location of the patio.
With no further discussion, this item will be sent to the Consent Agenda
(pending the clarification of the location).
3. PS 2008-21 — Speed Studies on Selected Routes
The report was reviewed. Chairperson Spears is concerned about changing E.
Countryside Drive from 35 mph to 40 mph. Chief Martin stated that the
change is feasible and that it would be looked at again when commercial
development comes in. Lt. Swartzkopf noted that there was only 1 accident at
that location.
Committeeman Werderich asked for clarification regarding Greenbriar access
being a conflict. Chief Martin stated that a reduction in speed is not justified
and does not meet with IDOT regulations. Officers have done speed studies
there and have not found violators. Sgt. Groesch suggested putting the
Citizens Radio Program in place there. He will publicize this program again.
With no further discussion, this item was moved to the Consent Agenda.
4. PS 2008-22—Lightning Detectors
He is going to request that the City allow him to transfer funds from the
warning siren fund to purchase lightning detectors for parks at schools that
have fields. The system will provide a signal that the fields should be cleared
due to lightning. The signal is guaranteed up to 2000 feet. The department
previously purchased them for City Hall, Circle Center and downtown and
feels they are great.
It was suggested that developers be asked to provide these devices at parks in
the future. Chairperson Spears feels that the developers should be required to
install them at the onset of development.
Parks Director Mogle stated that he would be willing to help with the cost if
possible. He also suggests installing a detector at Bridge Park, as there are
hundreds of children using the fields there. Chief Martin stated that the
current pricing is for detectors at Bristol Bay, Grand Reserve and the new
middle school. Parks Director Mogle will also speak with the schools to see if
they could make a financial contribution towards the purchase.
Parks Director Mogle and Chief Martin will meet to discuss this matter
further. This item will return to this committee for future discussion.
5. PS 2008-23— City Parks—Parking Concerns
Parks Director Mogle stated that he has received 2 parking complaints this
summer. The first was at Foxhill. The department educated the parents and
spectators regarding parking and the issue seems to be resolved.
The second was at Riemenschneider Park. There is no parking on McHugh.
Presently cars park on both sides of Hayden. He feels that parking on 1 side
of the street would be a potential resolution. Director Mogle stated that the
park has a water feature (the first in the City), which will be attractive, but he
feels parking needs to be resolved before this park officially opens.
It was determined that Director Mogle and Chairperson Spears would speak
with the residents regarding making one side of the street no parking from
McHugh to Prairie Rose. Additionally, it was suggested that there be no
parking on that side from 5:00 pm—9:00 pm only.
This item will return to this committee for future discussion.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. PS 2007-43—Parking Restrictions for East Kendall Drive—Discussion
Chairperson Spears stated that Lt. Hart has spoken with the daycare operator
in the area who is willing to work with the City towards a resolution. The
concern is that fire hydrants are located on her side of the street, but it makes
the most sense to designate the other side of the street as no parking.
Chief Martin stated that it is a narrow street. He feels that buses fit on the
street and there would be no issues with fire trucks and ambulances. He feels
that if parking were restricted to 1 side, a number of problems would be
alleviated.
Committeeman Werderich feels that the City needs to establish a policy
regarding parking restrictions. It was determined that Sgt. Groesch would
develop a policy and bring it back to this committee's next meeting. Then this
committee will make a recommendation regarding no parking on East Kendall
Drive.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
Chairperson Spears — Patty from McHugh Builders is upset about the parking ban
on Cannonball Trail. She did not attend the meeting. Assistant City Administrator
Olson was asked to put this item in the next Administration Packet with her
comments and the meeting notes in case she contacts any of the Alderman.
Asked if a-turns were legal on McHugh. Chief Martin stated that they are legal,
however dangerous. She would like this issue to be reviewed again. Chief Martin
stated that the item should be submitted to the Public Works Committee Agenda.
Committeeman Werderich — He feels that the speeding issue on Walsh Circle may
be that it is the residents perception that speeding is a problem. However, he suggests
additional signage or stripping to draw more attention to the park and children. Sgt.
Groesch will speak with Parks Director Mogle regarding park signage (Children at
Play, etc) and Chief Martin will speak with Public Works Director Dhuse regarding
additional stripping and colors of the stripes. Chief Martin will also speak with the
Parks Commission regarding this matter. This item will be brought back to this
committee next month for further discussion.
While putting his canoe in the water on the river, he was stopped twice by the Police
Department. The problem is that due to the construction at the dam, there is no
parking in the area closer than 300 yards from the portage. He tried to pull over,
unload his canoe, then park in a legal parking area, however, he was advised by the
Police Department he could not do that either. Chief Martin stated that clarification
regarding parking restrictions would need to come from Parks Director Mogle and he
will work with him.
Committeeman Sutcliff— She received second-hand information that a resident near
the path at the portage saw an older man and younger woman walking back there.
She wants to be sure that the Police Department is patrolling that area. Lt.
Swartzkopf stated that the area is very muddy, but the Department does patrol there.
Committeeman Plocher - none
Chief Martin - none
ADJOURNMENT OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING:
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Margaret M. Hartigan.