Public Safety Committee Minutes 2008 09-18-08 APPROVED 10/16/08
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
800 Game Farm Road
Yorkville, IL 60560
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
City Hall, Conference Room
Thursday, September 18, 2008 — 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Chairperson Spears, Committeemen Plocher, Sutcliff, Werderich
ABSENT:
None
ALSO PRESENT:
Chief Harold Martin, Lieutenant Don Schwartzkopf, Lieutenant Rich Hart, Tony
Scott of The Record and residents John Lechowicz, Corrin VanDeVeire, Abbey
Schramm, Chris Schramm, and Ken Neal
Chairperson Spears called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Conference Room of City
Hall.
PRESENTATION:
None
MINUTES:
Minutes for the August 21, 2008 Public Safety Committee Meetings were approved
without changes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairperson Spears asked to move to Old Business first.
2. PS 2008-38 Request to Amend Code Regarding No Parking Areas on Certain
Streets
Chairperson Spears stated that the City has identified heavily traveled streets
through the Village Engineer. As such, she opened this matter up to public
discussion. The following discussion took place:
• Resident Ken Neal of 122 Bertram stated that he is disappointed with
areas of the development such as 1 parking spot per resident; therefore, he
feels it is absurd to limit parking on streets. He stated that if he has
visitors, they have nowhere to park. Chairperson Spears asked about
separate parking areas that are available. Mr. Neal stated that there are 3
visitor spots in front of the condos, and that there are 1-2 handicapped
spots per building. He feels that restrict parking on the thoroughfare is not
conducive. Committeeman Sutcliff asked if the units had garages, resident
Abbey Schramm of 128 Bertram stated that they are approximately 1
block away from the unit and they are so small that a truck will not fit in
them, therefore, most people use the garages for storage.
• Resident Corrin VanDeVeire of 4504 Marquette stated that there are 1-2
spaces for guests and therefore, people park along her street (she resides in
the single family area). She finds that there are times when she cannot
back out of her driveway because of the cars parked on the street.
• Resident Chris Schramm of 128 Bertram stated that when they purchased
their home they were told that parking would be available on Bertram.
The building he resides in only has 1 guest parking spot. There is also a
turn lane that runs the entire length of the street, but there are only 2 places
to make turns, therefore, he feels that the turn lane could be removed and
parking could be made available on the street. He does not feel that there
is a lot of traffic along the road. Chief Martin stated that when the
roadway opens to Route 47, there would be an increase in traffic. With
regards to the long turn lane, Chief Martin stated that it is for stacking
purposes at the traffic light. Chairperson Spears added that developers are
not always honest with prospective buyers; however, there is nothing the
City can do about that.
• Resident John Lechowicz of 308 Timbelear stated that Rosenwinkle Drive
is behind him. His neighbors have parties and feels that the residents
should have some dispensation for those occasions. Chairperson Spears
stated that they could contact the Police Department to request special
parking permission. Mr. Lechowicz asked if people could park on their
lawns like is done at the water park. Lieutenant Schwartzkopf stated that
the area he is referring to is an overflow parking lot on private property.
Mr. Lechowicz added that he would like to see Bristol Bay connect to
Route 47 in his lifetime.
• Chief Martin stated that he feels that a situation could be worked out with
the residents on Bertram and that he sees their point of view. He
recommends to the committee to limit parking to one side only. He added
that the snow ordinance would apply as always.
• Abbey Schramm stated that there are 16 units in her building with
1 visitor spot. Other buildings have 2 or 3 visitor spots.
• Corrin VanDeVeire stated that if parking were to be allowed on
one side of Bertram, it would help with the problems on Marquette
because she can't get out of her driveway when cars are parked on
both sides.
• Lt. Schwartzkopf stated that he received a phone call from a resident of
the 200 block of Bertram. She understands why this needs to be done, but
would like the development looked at. Lt. Schwartzkopf explained that
some roads are city roads and others are not. Her name and telephone
number were given if anyone is interested.
• Chairperson Spears stated she received a letter from a resident named
Heather who could not be in attendance. She resides on the 200 block of
Bertram and she is upset with the proposed parking ban.
• Mr. Lechowicz asked if the City looks at the number of parking spaces
when development plans are received. Chairperson Spears stated that the
City is addressing this issue along with driveway sizes and street widths.
There are codes that are required to be met, however, she feels that Mr.
Lechowicz has a good concern.
• Mr. Lechowicz stated the fire codes requires two entrances into a
subdivision where is school is at, which has not been done. Chief Martin
stated that the builder could only do so much at a time. The City is trying
to work with the developer.
• Mr. Schramm stated that when he moved in, Bristol Bay was open to
Route 47 and now it is closed, he would like to know why. Chief Martin
stated that it was possibly closed because the traffic light was not installed,
however, he was not sure.
• Committeeman Werderich stated that in high-density areas, parking seems
to be a problem.
The residents in attendance were encouraged to attend the City Council
meeting to voice their concerns. With no further discussion, this item was
moved to the October 7, 2008 City Council Meeting (regular agenda).
NEW BUSINESS:
1. PS 2008-40 Police Reports for August, 2008
Chairperson Spears commended the Police Department for a good job done.
She was surprised by the amount of No Valid Drivers License and No
Insurance offenses.
With no further discussion, this item was moved to the Consent Agenda.
3. 2008-41 —Request for TracView Program (Grant)
Chief Martin stated that the purchase of the program would be of no cost to
the Police Department and it would aid them when people come in to access
reports. Furthermore, he stated that it would reduce the amount of time in
handling requests for report copies. There would still be a charge for reports
requested to be mailed out. Committeeman Werderich asked if report copies
would still be available in hardcopy, to which Chief Martin replied yes.
With no further discussion, this item will be sent to the Consent Agenda.
4. PS 2008-42—Unauthorized Parking in Handicapped Spaces—Discussion
Chief Martin stated he would like to present to the Committee to increase
handicapped parking fines from $250.00 to $350.00, which is allowed by
State Statute. This will put the City with others in the area. The Police
Department does not see many violators of this offense, however, they would
like to enforce it at the highest rate.
Chairperson Spears stated that with more commercial in the City, there would
be more opportunities for violators to be fined. She agrees with the maximum
fine. All other members of the committee were also in agreement.
Chairperson Spears asked Chief Martin if Attorney Orr would put together the
ordinance. Chief Martin will have Attorney Orr prepare it and will have it
brought back to this committee in draft form.
5. PS 2008-43—Ordinances Pertaining to Hunting
Lieutenant Hart stated that an officer from the IDNR contacted him last week
regarding hunting laws. The IDNR stated that municipalities could no longer
enforce hunting ordinances, only state laws. Therefore, the City's ordinance
is no longer legal.
He stated that it is illegal to hunt on State and City owned property. The
IDNR will come out to educate the officers regarding this change.
He stated that the biggest complaint is duck/goose hunting on the Fox. The
IDNR pointed out islands where it is legal, but those are not within City
limits.
Committeeman Werderich asked where this is applicable. Lieutenant Hart
stated that Wydet Ridge near Route 71, south of Route 47 is one location, also
on Fox Road where the Police Department has received complaints of bow
hunting. He added that persons who hunt on private property must have
written permission from the property owner.
Committee Sutcliff asked the differences between the State Statute and the
City ordinance. Lieutenant Hart stated that the City does not allow hunting
within City limits, but the state says the Police Department can no longer
regulate that. Chief Martin added that State Statute supercedes the City
ordinance. She asked if hunting on Fox Road was acceptable, to which
Lieutenant Hart added that written permission is required on private property.
Chief Martin added that hunters are generally well versed on hunting laws.
Lieutenant Hart stated that this change does not affect the ordinance regarding
discharge of a firearm, but the state law states that birdshots must be 100
yards away from a residence and deer hunting must be 300 yards away from a
residence. Chairperson Spears stated that years ago there was a complaint
about homes being shot by hunters. Lieutenant Hart stated that the Police
Department could use a laser to measure the distance if hunters are near
houses.
Chief Martin stated that he would have Attorney Orr prepare an ordinance that
mirrors the State Statute and return the draft to the Committee.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. PS 2007-31 —Update on the Administrative Adjudication Hearing Process
Lieutenant Schwartzkopf stated that the first hearing dates are October 15 and
October 19 at 5:30 pm in Chambers. Chairperson Spears added that Attorney
Orr would like to change the next Public Service Committee meeting date to
October 16, 2008 so that she can update the committee on the first
adjudication hearing.
The following discussion took place:
• The Police Department will have the docket approximately 4-5 days in
advance of the hearing.
• With regards to staff, only current staff members are being utilized for this
function.
• At the present time, Molly, Shemim and Lt. Schwartzkopf are dedicating
time to this function. Their work hours will be will be adjusted
accordingly so that the process is cost effective.
• At the present time, it is unknown if additional office staff will be
necessary, however, Chief Martin has already informed the City that there
may be a need to increase office staff next May. Until the process gets
going this remains unknown, however, the thought is that an additional
person will handle this process and other functions that can be dovetailed.
• The purpose of this process is to make things work that didn't work
before, such as parking tickets have been a problem for the courts and this
process will help that.
• Committeeman Werderich is in favor of the process but would like to see
it self-funded.
• The funds that are collected will be turned into the General Fund.
Chairperson Spears feels that the funds should remain in the Police
Department fund in order to cover costs on the process so that it could be
self-funded. Committeeman Werderich added that he felt the funds
collected should be considered if an additional staff member is requested.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
Committeeman Plocher—would like to look at Van Emmon at the next meeting.
Committeeman Sutcliff— She received another email about the gentleman that was
reported going door-to-door. Chief Martin stated that there are 2 individuals who sell
books door-to-door. While doing so, they ask questions about kids and neighborhood
kids. He has received complaints via email and a few calls regarding this matter. An
Officer has talked to him and his partner. They state that it is part of their sales
program, but people are concerned. The gentlemen have been advised that if
additional complaints were received, their solicitation permit would be revoked.
Chief Martin stated the gentlemen are here on a Visa, they have a permit and they
have identification cards. He asked that if anyone receives more complaints, to
inform the Police Department.
Additionally, Committeeman Sutcliff stated that it was discussed at the Public Works
Committee Meeting that the stop sign at the corner of Countryside and McHugh is not
visible due to high weeds. Chief Martin stated that he would discuss this matter with
Director Dhuse to see if there is something that could be done to resolve this matter.
Lastly, Committeeman Sutcliff wanted to know if E85 fuel would be better for Police
vehicles. Chief Martin stated that is it not as efficient for squad cars; however, it
could be considered for detective vehicles and school resource officer vehicles.
Committeeman Plocher stated that E85 usually increases horsepower, but it runs hot
and it not as efficient. Chief Martin added that the Village of Oswego has a hybrid
car to see how it works for them. He would be interested in hybrids for squads in the
future.
Committeeman Werderich —None
Chairperson Spears — He is concerned about the fact that a bank signature card was
being passed around to all of the Alderman. These cards include names, social
security numbers and the person's mother's maiden name. Attorney Orr saw this
occur and stated that she would take care of it. Additionally, the auditors have stated
that they should not sign the card and Attorney Orr supports that. He received an
email from someone in the Finance Department and was asked to come in and sign
the card to which he refused. City Administrator McLaughlin thinks that his concern
is having his name on the account, however his concern is identity theft as these cards
are being passed around. He feels that a procedure should be in place to have the
Alderman go into the bank or to have someone bring the cards to them directly. He
feels the entire matter is disturbing.
Chief Martin - none
ADJOURNMENT OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING:
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Margaret M. Hartigan.