Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Public Safety Committee met August 7. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

The Public Safety Committee met on August 7 2018, at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

Present: Chairman Hughes, Alderman Sharp, Alderman Braun

Others in attendance: Alderman Jenkins, Alderman Connor, Clerk Hurd, Mayor White, Fire Chief Benisch,

                                   Police Chief Mettille, Office Manager Passage

Absent: None

Chairman Hughes called the meeting to order t 4:30pm

Budget Review

Office Manager Passage led a review of the budget. She reported that all departments are in-line with expenses.

Building Permit Report:

Office Manager Passage presented a report from the building inspector listing all completed permits. The report shows a cash flow positive to the city. (Report attached)

Amendment Golf Cart Ordinance – Trailers:

Chief Mettille presented a draft of the amended ordinance prohibiting trailers behind a golf cart, as prepared by the city attorney. Alderman Hughes spoke in favor of the factory made people trailers and trailers designed to haul yard waste or other items as such. Chief Mettille asked the committee for guidance on how to monitor. Alderman Sharp spoke against children being hauled in trailers attached to golf carts. Alderman Braun spoke in favor of factory made people trailers. Alderman Hughes stressed the importance of seat belts being used. Several citizens spoke in favor of the trailers: Sandi Levell, addressed the committee on the importance of seatbelts, safety lights and insurance. Mrs. Levell was in favor of the trailers with safety measures in place. Don Levell, Dennis Meinders and Jerry Osbourn spoke in favor of the trailers. Alderman Connor questioned what other communities do. Mayor White explained other communities have modeled after our ordinance

Chief Mettille asked that the committee come to a decision on what will be allowed and then move forward with how to amend the ordinance. A discussion was held on possible additional fees. It was the consensus of the committee to have Chief Mettille make amendment to the ordinance to allow occupant trailer and utility trailers with inspection and registration and bring back to the September Public Safety Meeting.

Speed Limit Signs on Santa Fe Ave:

Chief Mettille informed the committee that there are no 20 MPH signs near the VFW Memorial on Santa Fe. If the committee wants to change the speed limt, the ordinance would need to be changed and public works would install signs. Chief Mettille’s recommendation was not to install the signs but to have the area monitored more often by police officers. Alderman Sharp spoke in favor of the speed limit be lowered to 20MPH. The consensus of the committee was to have the police officers monitor the area.

Parking 2nd Street between Walnut and Chestnut:

Mayor White informed the committee that he had met with the downtown merchants. He informed the committee that the merchants have sent letters out to the landlords requesting that they not allow their upstairs tenants to park overnight on 2nd Street because it takes up spaces for customers. Mayor White said that the letter had little effect and the Merchants would like to request no overnight parking from Walnut St. to Chestnut St. Chief Mettille that times be identified for the no parking and a fine in the amount of $100.00. A discussion was held on suggested times. Alderman Braun expressed concern with someone having too much to drink that would normally leave their car parked and get a ride home, not wanting to leave their car due to the parking ban and fine. Business owner Sandi Levell informed the committee that years ago that overnight parking was not allowed on 2nd Street. Mayor White told her that a previous council had lifted the ban. Alderman Connor expressed concern about the cost to change the ordinance and questioned how many of the merchants had been notified. Mayor White told her that approximately 12 merchants had given input. The consensus of the committee was to seek council approval to direct the city attorney to draft an amended ordinance specifying no parking from 2- 4am on 2nd Street from Chestnut to Walnut with a $100.00 fine.

Police Update:

Chief Mettille informed the committee that the body cameras are in and general orders have gone out to his officers. He hopes to have them utilized by the end of August.

Chief Mettille informed the committee that 3 of his officers have received recognition from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorist for their DUI arrest records. Those officers are Hahn, Bridges, and Murphy. Chief Mettille then presented the following reports:

Impounded Vehicles

Ordinance Zone Statistics

Fire District IGA Status:

Mayor White announced that he did not have a report but asked Trustee Kevin Peterson from the Fire District that was in the audience if he had an update. He informed the committee that the District would not seek a referendum without an intergovernmental agreement with the city.

A lengthy discussion between the committee and Trustee Peterson ensued. Trustee Peterson and the committee agreed that the voters need to be more informed.

Training Fire Department:

Trustee Kevin Peterson addressed the concerns of the department being compliant in their training. He informed the committee that he had reached out to the Chief’s, Fire District Attorney, Fireman John Sprinkle and Greg Hurd. He stated that the condensed version of his conversation with the Fire District Attorney is that the Fire Department is in compliance with all required training. He stated that the department does have records

He stated that there is confusion with required training and recommended training. ISO has a lot of recommended training but is not mandatory.

Chief Benisch explained that the department has always had 2 training nights a month. A short discussion ensued. Chief Benisch will report to the committee on all future training received.

Fire Update:

Chief Benisch presented his July report. Attached to the minutes.

Chief Benisch requested to purchase replacement fire hose in the amount of $2,425.00. The consensus of the committee was to seek council approval for the purchase of replacement hose. Discussion was held on the purchase of a gear dryer and a new fire engine.

Property Maintenance and Review of Property Maintenance:

Office Manager Passage passed out a review of the process for the benefit of Fire Chief Benisch. (Document attached)

She stated that there had been some question of what the process was.

Office Manager explained that the document passed out gave a step by step process that was reviewed by the committee with former Fire Chief Denzer.

A discussion ensued with Chief Mettille on the processes and how his officers are involved.

A discussion was held in the difference between property maintenance and ordinance violation.

Chief Mettille presented two properties (1623 Benedict and 1405 N Finney) for review.

Alderman Sharp asked Chief Benisch if he would conduct a property maintenance checklist of the two properties. Chief Benisch questioned why it was his job. Mayor White informed him that he could have his designee (Fire Marshal) do the report. Chief Benisch stated he did not feel it was his job or does he have the time to do it and does not have the certifications to do it. Mayor White informed him that it would be the duty of the Fire Marshal that understands Life Safety Code.

Discussion was held on the possibility to have Scott Wolf of Maurer Stuts do the checklist.

Chief Benisch said that he would ask Fire Marshal Price to volunteer his time to do the checklist.

1211 Chestnut:

Office Manager Passage informed the committee that she had a complaint of rodents at 1211 Chestnut. Discussion was held. Office Manager suggested a letter be sent out to the landlord letting them know a complaint was received.

                                                               Old Business

Emergency Prepredness Plan

No Action

                                                               Agenda Items

                                               Purchase – Replacement Fire Hose

                                  Parking – Second Street between Walnut and Chestnut

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:35p.m.

http://www.cityofchillicotheil.com/08.07.18.pdf