Peoria Standard

City of Peoria Fire and Police Commission met April 12.

Here is the agenda as provided by the Commission:

ROLL CALL

The Board of Fire & Police Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Lynn Pearson.

Commissioners present:  Lynn Pearson, Leonard Unes, Janda Carter, Tom Higgins and William Watkins

Commissioners absent:  Tom Jackson and Tom Burke

Others present: Human Resources Coordinator Debra Bush, Fire Chief Charles Lauss, Assistant Fire Chief, Edward Olehy, Police Chief Jerry Mitchell and City Council Member Timothy Newlin

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

William Watkins moved to approve the minutes of Regular Meeting, March 1, 2017, as presented and receive and file, seconded by Leonard Unes; all approved 5-0.

COMMUNICATIONS

A.Receive and file Recognition Day Letters for Police Officers Jacob Bainter, David Logan and Brock Lavin.

B.Letter of Commendation for Fire Captain James Bachman, Fire Engineer Jacob Durbin and Firefighter Matthew Lenz.

C.Completion of Probation for Police Recruit Zachary Cowan effective on March 8, 2017.

Leonard Unes moved to receive and file the Recognition Day Letters, Letter of Commendation and Completion of Probation; seconded by William Watkins; All approved 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Timeline and Recruiting Efforts

Police Chief Jerry Mitchell stated that they are fully staffed, but expect six more retirements this summer. Chief Mitchell stated that next year they will have approximately 65 Officers with less than four years of service. They hired 25 Police Officers last year. Chief Mitchell stated that they held the Police Recruit testing, but that would be discussed later on the agenda. Fire Chief Charles Lauss stated that hired 20 Firefighters last year. Chief Lauss stated that added an extra CPAT testing session on May 6, 2017.  Also, the Firefighter Orientations will be held at the Peoria Public Library on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 4pm to 6pm and on Saturday, June 10, 2017, from 9:30 am to 11:30 a.m.

Chief Lauss stated that the Firefighter written examination will take place at the Peoria Civic Center on Friday, June 16, 2017 and Saturday, June 17, 2017.

Chief Lauss stated that they are doing ongoing recruiting and expect to add three more Fire Cadets in June.

Debra Bush stated that as of now, there were 139 Firefighter applicants that have not turned in the three required documents and they have until April 28, 2017, to submit them.

Debra Bush stated that there are 116 Firefighter applicants that have submitted all of their documents including their CPAT certification.

Debra Bush stated that there are 41 Firefighter applicants that have turned in their required documents, but need to submit their CPAT certification.  

Debra Bush stated that she sends out emails constantly with updates on the Firefighter process.  She stated that the information received from the Police Department surveys, stated that they love getting the emails which keeps them up to date on the process.

Chief Lauss stated that they are happy with the dual credit program.  The students get an EMT license whey they graduate and can get a job after graduation.  There is a 70% pass rate at this time.

City Council Member Timothy Newlin introduced himself as being temporary on the Council at this time, but that he was enjoying himself tremendously.  Councilman Newlin stated that the City of Peoria has the best Department Heads in the City from over the last 50 years.  He thanked them for what they are doing.  

Councilman Newlin stated that we couldn’t do enough on recruiting Police Officers and Firefighters.  Councilman stated whenever he contact the Police or Fire Chief, they get back to him quickly with responses.

Councilman Newlin stated that the City needs to do a better job on getting the information out to the citizens on all the good things the City is doing.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Janda Carter moved to adjourn to Executive Session under 2c(1) of the Open Meetings Acts, seconded by Leonard Unes; All approved 5-0.

RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION

Lynn Pearson stated that while in Executive Session they reviewed the Executive Session Regular Meeting minutes of March 1, 2017, and it is okay to be released, per the approval of the Senior Attorney Ron O’Neal.

Leonard Unes moved that the Executive Session Regular Meeting minutes of March 1, 2017, be accepted as presented; seconded by Tom Higgins; All approved 5-0.

Lynn Pearson stated that while in Executive Session they reviewed the April, 2017 Police Recruit Eligibility Pool.

William Watkins moved to accept the April, 2017 Police Recruit Eligibility Pool as presented; seconded by Janda Carter; All approved 5-0.

ADJOURN MEETING

There being no further business, Janda Carter moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by William Watkins; All approved 5-0.