COMMITTEE:        Police and ESDA Committee

 

DATE:                        November 8, 2004

 

TIME:                        5:30 p.m.

 

MEMBERS

PRESENT:                 Hermes, Gilmour, Brown, Kasalko

 

 

ABSENT:                   Melhorn

 

NON-MEMBERS

PRESENT:                 Executive Secretary Puracchio, Officer Candidates -Jose Campos and Brandon Ragsdale and family members, City Clerk Jim Johnston, Chief Metta, City Administrator Rob Nelis, Reporter Monson

 

DISCUSSION:            Swearing in of New Police Officers

 

ACTION:                   Alderman Hermes made a motion and Alderman Brown seconded to open discussions at 5:30 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.

 

City Clerk Jim Johnston led the swearing in process of Jose Campos and Brandon Ragsdale.  The Committee congratulated them and stated they look forward to working with them.

 

DISCUSSION:            Communications and Tower

                                   

Alderman Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Brown seconded to approve the minutes as written and have them placed on file. Kasalko passed. All others yes. Motion passed.

 

Chief Metta distributed a packet of information to Committee members.

See attached. After a lengthy discussion the Committee selected option 2 190-foot tower from Glen Martin Engineering for a total price of $65,900. The Committee discussed all the steps that will be involved in the process of taking down the water tower and erecting a new antenna tower.  Ideally two buildings need to be torn down, one the City owns and the other is going through the appraisal process.  Bids would have to be obtained for the demolition and the City would need to purchase the other building, with a possible price tag of $50,000.  The Committee asked Nelis to speak with the City Financial Administrator to see where the City stands on these budget issues.  The Committee directed Puracchio to arrange a Committee meeting for next Monday night and invite ComEd, the antenna company, Hy Tech(water tower dismantling), Fire, ESDA, and Cyber Broadcasting. November 22 would be an alternative date.  The Chief went over the Microwave system quotes and the Intergovernmental Agreement with Elwood.  The Committee will review these items.

 

DISCUSSION:            Generator

 

ACTION:                   The Chief stated he had a quote for $7,000 for a replacement/rebuilt engine.  The Committee asked that he get a quote regarding how much it would cost to refurbish the engine on the generator the Department presently has.

 

DISCUSSION:        Part-time dispatchers

 

ACTION:                   Chief Metta stated that both probationary part-time dispatchers are working out well.  He would like to hire both as he looks to possible staffing issues and needing a full-time dispatcher in the future.

 

DISCUSSION:            Crossing Guard

 

ACTION:                   Chief said that he has received the Crossing Guard’s two week notice.  He asked that Reporter Monson put an ad in the paper and that he has received one application already.

 

DISCUSSION:            Lt. Evans

 

ACTION:                   The Chief and Committee discussed Lt Evans and the outstanding job he did handling the Fox Press Conference while the Chief was on vacation.  The Chief also commended Investigator Lyons on the work he has dome on the Fox case.

 

DISCUSSION:            COPS GRANT

 

ACTION:                   The Chief received a letter stating that they were still considering the City’s grant application.  The Chief would like to have communications to Congressman Jerry Weller and Speaker Hastert asking for their assistance.  The Committee agreed.

 

DISCUSSION:            Executive Session

 

ACTION:                   Alderman Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Brown seconded to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel at 6:18 pm. All yes. Motion passed.

 

                                    Alderman Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Brown seconded to return to the regular meeting at 6:25 pm.  All yes.  Motion passed.

 

                                    While in Executive Session the Police Committee took no action.

 

DISCUSSION:            Budget Comment

 

ACTION:                   The Chief stated that he was under $91,130. under budgeted spending.

 

DISCUSSION:            Adjournment

 

ACTION:                   Alderman Gilmour made a motion and Alderman Brown seconded to adjourn at 6:27 p.m. All yes. Motion passed.