Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Public Safety Committee met May 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Public Safety Committee met via teleconference beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Council chambers at City Hall. The meeting was broadcasted to the public via ZOOM.

Present at the Meeting in the Council Chambers: Chairman Sharp, Alderman Gould, Mayor White, Clerk Hurd, Police Chief Mettille, ED Director Beadles, Office Manager Passage.

Present at the Meeting via teleconference: Alderman Jenkins and Alderman Hughes

Present at the Meeting via Zoom: Chillicothe Community Fire District Assistant Chief Greg Hurd Chairman Sharp called the meeting to order at 4:30pm

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Chairman Sharp informed the committee that Assistant Fire Chief Hurd was in attendance via ZOOM. Chairman Sharp asked the status of the property located at 1449 4th Street. Assistant Chief Hurd reported that a letter of violation had been written up prior to the last meeting that he was not in attendance at. He reported that he spoke with the property owner and he has hired contractors to complete the work.

Assistant Fire Chief Hurd reported that he has reviewed the property maintenance list and has removed 1729 N Cutright. He reported that the tenants had moved out and the property has been cleaned up. He informed the committee that he has visited all the other properties and that they are making progress.

Mayor White asked Chief Hurd for a written document. Assistant Chief Hurd informed him that he sent a document to Chairman Sharp. Mayor White asked Chairman Sharp for a copy.

BUDGET REVIEW:

Chief Mettille reported that the 19-20 budget ended within guidelines. There were no questions on the prior year’s budget.

BUDGET 20-21 CONTROL SPENDING:

Chief Mettille reported that he has reviewed items in the General Fund, Police Protection Fund and Equipment that can be limited or modified to come in under the budgeted amount. He reported how he will be modifying as follows:

Equipment: $10,000.00 will be running as a $5,000.00 budget

Automotive fuel: He will monitor closely and maybe modify patrol styles to control spending if needed. Police Protection: $50,000 earmarked for equipment will try to modify it to $30,000.

Camera program: currently is budgeted at $5,000 he will cut that to $2,500

Police Dog: $2,000 savings

Police Vehicle: $80,000 down to $40,000

With monitoring spending, he reported there should be a $76,000 to $77,000 carry over.

PUBLIC EVENTS:

Mayor White and ED Director Beadles reviewed all the summer public events.

Mayor White asked that the review of public events be placed on next month’s agenda.

PUCHASE – POLICE VEHICLE:

Chief Mettille requested a new Chevy Tahoe in the amount of $36,900 from Police Protection Fund. He reported that the vehicle will come from Miles Chevrolet out of Decatur and transferred to Riverside Chevrolet for purchasing.

He reported that the cost for equipment could be $10,000.00 however he is anticipating using some of the equipment out of the old vehicle that should save up to approximately $3,000.00.

He asked that the purchase of the 2020 Tahoe be placed on the council agenda. He informed the committee that he will seek approval for the equipment at a later date.

A lengthy discussion was held. Chairman Sharp asked for clarification on the equipment to be purchased. Chief Mettille explained the total cost with equipment would be approximately $42,000 to $43,000.00.

Alderman Jenkins asked where we are at with vehicles vs officers. Chief Mettille explained that he has gone from 12 officers to 10 officers (9 with one on medical leave). He explained that with the hiring of one new officer it would be a cost savings to purchase the vehicle now rather than later.

Alderman Hughes stated that they (council) have not decided that the police officer will be hired. He stated he would like to discuss part-time officers. Chief Mettille explained that the current contract with the FOP does not allow part-time officers and that the Council approved for the Police Commission to hire an Officer last June. Discussion ensued between Alderman Hughes and Chief Mettille in regards to part-time officers and Chief Mettille’s duties.

Mayor White suggested that Chief Mettille and Alderman Hughes have a meeting to discuss.

Chairman Sharp asked the committee if they were in favor of placing the purchase of a police vehicle on the council agenda. Alderman Jenkins stated he was ok with it. Alderman Hughes stated “absolutely not”. Chairman Sharp stated that the purchase of a vehicle will be placed on the agenda.

POLICE UPDATE:

Chief Mettille reviewed monthly reports.

He informed the committee that he had been in contact with Dave Hirtz about placing the banners that were previously approved on Second Street. Mr. Hirtz informed him that the annual dinner will be rescheduled due to the COVID pandemic.

Police testing will be held this Saturday.

Chief Mettille reported on new information on Restore Illinois.

NEW/OLD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE:

All discussion was held under Public Comment.

OLD BUSINESS

None

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Purchase of Police Vehicle

CHAIRMAN ACTIONS

Place Event List on next agenda Property Maintenance on next agenda

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:04p.m.

http://www.cityofchillicotheil.com/05.05.20.Public%20Safety.pdf