Public Safety Committee Minutes 2008 12-18-08 Page I of 4
�PPROVED AS CORRECTED 1/22/09
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:00pm
City Conference Room
In Attendance:
Chairwoman Rose Spears Alderwoman Robyn Sutcliff
Alderman Joe Plocher Alderman Wally Werderich
Other City Officials in Attendance:
Mayor Valerie Burd (an. 6:10pm)
Police Chief Harold Martin Lt. Don Schwartzkopf
Guests:
Mr. Lou Denny
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairwoman Rose Spears.
Prior to beginning discussion of the agenda, Chairwoman Spears asked the committee to
address the issues brought forth by Guest Lou Denny. Mr. Denny said his landlord for
Mulhern Court has created a dangerous situation at the apartment complex because he
does not salt the parking lot though he does plow the lot and the sidewalk. The Chief
suggested that Mr. Denny review his lease agreement to see if snow removal is
addressed.
Mr. Denny also said he was made aware that residents of Yorkville are not required to
remove snow at their residences. Chief Martin said the Police Department is unable to
force the removal. Mr. Denny stated that Aurora requires removal of snow on all
walking surfaces. According to Chief Martin, Aurora is required to remove that snow
because they are a home-rule community, but he said many places don't salt due to
deterioration of surroundings and the cost of salt. In addition a special salt spreader is
required.
Alderwoman Spears said she contacted Alderman Joe Besco who suggested a letter be
sent to all the apartment residents asking if they would be willing to contribute to salt
purchase. Mr. Denny said he would be willing to purchase salt for the complex.
Ms. Spears will contact Mr. Denny after Joe Besco has a chance to address the issue.
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Presentation: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: October 16, 2008
Chairwoman Spears said a correction to the minutes had not been made as requested at
the last meeting. Page 1, New Business, paragraph two, should state"Chairman Spears
asked Chief Martin to explain why Ron..."
The minutes were then approved with that correction.
New Business:
1. PS 2008-50 Police Reports for October 2008
It was noted that arrest activity went down slightly, however, Chief Martin said his
department is working on some cases and results should be seen next month. This report
moves to the consent agenda on December 22.
2. PS 2008-51 Request for Purchase of*Two Squad Cars
Chief Martin said 4 squads are budgeted, however, there are funds for only 2 at this time.
Alderman Werderich asked why one Crown Victoria and one Impala were ordered rather
than Impalas. These cars will be used to carry the canine cages, however, Impalas will be
purchased in the future. This moves to the December 22nd consent agenda.
3. PS 2008-52 Ordinance Amending City Code to Amend Hours of Package Liquor
Sales
Alderman Plocher said patrons are traveling to other towns for liquor purchases after the
closing hours. Amending the hours until 2:OOam on Friday and Saturday would be
consistent with other towns, he said. Alderman Werderich stated he was not in favor of
this. This item will move forward to the December 22nd regular agenda.
4. PS 2008-53 Ordinance Amending City Code regarding BASSET Training
This matter was brought forward by the Mayor and would provide training at no cost to
anyone who serves alcohol on their job. The training involves 6 hours of time and a meal
is donated by area businesses. It was noted that anyone 19 years old can serve liquor,
however, you must be 21 to sell alcohol.
A 2-month time limit for training will be included in the ordinance and Lt. Schwartzkopf
was asked to notify all Aldermen when the training is scheduled. This item moves
forward to the consent agenda.
5. PS 2008-54 Ordinance Amending City Code Regarding Dogs Running at Large
This item was placed on the agenda by Mayor Burd. At a recent adjudication session she
attended, a resident had received a ticket for dog at large. The offender felt tickets should
not be issued for dogs in their own yard. If the yard is fenced or has an electronic fence
the dog can be unleashed. Mayor Burd said the Hearing Officer also had concerns about
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this ordinance. And it was noted that the Hearing Officer cannot use their discretion
they must follow the ordinance.
Chief Martin pointed out that when children are outside, dogs may leave their yards to
follow them or dogs may run into the street. And, they have also followed elderly
people. He said they have responded to numerous dog bite cases. Mayor Burd suggested
that many residents might not know that allowing your dog to be unleashed in your yard
is illegal and Ms. Spears suggested it should be publicized.
Chairwoman Spears suggested the original ordinance should be included in the packet to
allow for a chance to review it. This item will be moved forward to the regular Council
agenda for discussion.
6 PS 2008-55 Truancy Ordinance Discussion
This was briefly discussed at a prior meeting with some recommendations being made.
Officer Jon Helland has further information, but was unable to be at this meeting, so it
will be brought back to the Public Safety meeting on January 22.
7 PS 2008-56 Amendments to Fine Schedule for Pre-Payments of*Citations Pending
Under Administrative Adjudication
The fine scheduled was briefly discussed and it was noted that the major difference on a
first offense was that the original fine was $50. This was thought to be too high. This
item will move forward to the Council consent agenda.
Old Business:
1. PS 2008-46 Code Amendment Ordinances
a) Advertising on signs and buildings, b) Fireworks, c) Possession of paint or marker
with intent to deface, d) Removal of graffiti, e) Cannabis,f) Retail theft
(shoplifting), g) Disorderly conduct, h) Trespassing on property
Chief Martin said this amendment would allow some offenses to be placed into the
adjudication process. The advantage of having the offenses go to the adjudication
process is fewer manhours, less officer court time and backlog, not on offender's record,
allows the officers more discretion and ability to work with offenders.
Alderman Werderich said he would be in favor of only incorporating non-jailable
offenses in this ordinance. He was also concerned with the possibility of the offense
showing on the State Police LEADS system and becoming part of a criminal history. He
said he has seen ordinance violations on the computer. Chief Martin said if a community
is home-ruled, this may occur, but he will research this. He said Yorkville does not
report ordinance violations to the State.
It was decided to move this to City Council regular agenda for further discussion.
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Additional Business:
Alderman Werderich expressed concern that not all City departments are using the
adjudication process. He asked if the Police Department could take the lead role in this.
City Administrator McLaughlin will also give direction to department heads.
Alderwoman Sutcliff asked about a recent school search for drugs. Chief Martin said the
canine units were utilized, but no drugs were found. Ms. Sutcliff said she had
information that drugs were more prevalent in the schools.
In earlier meetings, this committee decided these meetings would be informal.
Chairwoman Spears said it was brought to her attention by the Mayor that a formal
committee protocol including motions etc. should be used. Ms. Spears said that Robert's
Rules state that a formal meeting is not required. She asked the committee members for
their opinions and it was decided by consensus that they prefer informal meetings.
Chief Martin mentioned that following a recent heavy snowfall, 8 vehicles were towed as
a result of parking violations. Additionally, 26 citations were issued for parking on
certain roadways in violation of the 2-inch snowfall rule. He said the cadets also assisted
motorists.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker