Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Public Safety Committee met Feb. 6.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

Members of the Public Safety Committee met in person on February 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Public Safety Committee members present at the meeting in the Council Chambers: Chairman Jenkins, Alderperson T. White, Alderperson Bredeman

Public Safety Committee members absent: None

Others in attendance in the Council Chambers: Mayor Hughes, Clerk Byrnes, Police Chief Cooper, Interim Fire Chief Jim Benisch, Alderperson Sharp,

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Landon Dunbar, 95 W Oak Street, addressed the Committee with continued complaints about the property located at 1317 N. First Street. He asked the Committee to consider increased or tier level fines on property that has been habitually reported. Chief Cooper informed Mr. Dunbar that the home owner had been cited for the condition of the yard, there is a court date scheduled for February 15, 2024. A letter of abatement will be submitted to the Public Works Department this week. Chief Cooper will research the City Code regarding fines and updates will be reported at the next Public Safety Meeting.

Carla Carter, 1314 N First Street, addressed the Committee with the same concerns on property located at 1317 N. First Street. Mrs. Carter would also like the Committee to consider increased or tier level fines for habitually reported property. Mrs. Carter also had a concern of the condition of the garage on said property. A property maintenance request for dangerous building will be submitted to both Chief Cooper and Chairman Jenkins regarding the garage. Follow up will be discussed at the next Public Safety Meeting.

PURPOSE:

SUE COFFMAN – VICIOUS DOG ATTACK ORDINANCE:

Chief Cooper reported to the Committee that the property owner of 1503 N. Second Street has been cited and does have a February 15, 2024 court date. Property owner Bryce Lauber assured Chief Cooper that Mr. Joseph Csesznegi, former renter is no longer living on said property. Mr. Lauber is meeting with Chief Cooper to discuss updates. Updates will be reported at the next Public Safety Meeting.

DISCUSSION - DISASTER PLAN:

No update to report. This agenda item will continue to be discussed at the next Public Safety meeting.

UPDATE: CHILLICOTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Chief Cooper provided a report on impounded vehicles and ordinance zone statistics. (See attached) Chief Cooper reported a new Police Officer, Dave Buchanan was sworn in on January 24, 2024 and is currently in training. Sgt. Bridges will be transitioning as the 2nd school resource officer to begin in the fall of 2024. The new police vehicle is currently be outfitted. Talks for the Solshine Festival at Three Sister's Park Memorial Day weekend begin next week.

UPDATE: CHILLICOTHE COMMUNITY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT:

Chairman Jenkins introduced Mr. Jim Benisch as the interim Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District Chief as former Assistant Fire Marshall Dave Price has retired and former Fire Chief Marvin Roderick has left the department for other employment. Mr. Benisch asked the Committee for patience as his is working on the organization structure of the department. Existing property maintenance issues were discussed with Mr. Benisch and he will report updates at the next Public Safety Meeting.

UPDATE - DOLLAR GENERAL:

Interim Fire Chief Jim Benisch was made aware of the inspection previously done at the Dollar General, he will investigate and report updates at the next Public Safety Meeting.

NEW/OLD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE:

301 W. Maple - Property Maintenance

Rebecca Hawkins, 301 W Maple, addressed the Committee with concerns that this property maintenance issue has been taking an unreasonable length of time to resolve. Chairman Jenkins explained that a Notice of Violation had been sent to the property owner per the Property Maintenance Policy, however due to the recent retirement of former Assistant Fire Marshall Dave Price no follow up inspection has been done. Interim Fire Chief Benisch was made aware of the letter sent, he will follow up with the property owner this week and report updates at the next Public Safety Meeting.

1317 N. First Street - Property Maintenance

This agenda item was discussed in Public Comment.

1007 Santa Fe - Dangerous Building -

Chairman Jenkins read an update from City Attorney Kevin Day, "Since my last update, I have spoken with the property owner Judith DiBernardino twice. As previously reported, Ms. DiBernardino is aware of the property's dangerous building designation. She plans to demolish the existing, dangerous structure on the property as soon as possible. She has received two quotes for the necessary work and is waiting on the third quote from Blake Miller. She does not anticipate requesting any additional quotes. Ms. DiBernardino hopes to have a definitive timeline for demolition this month. Demolition efforts will then begin ASAP, based on weather and contractor availability. I will keep the Committee updated on additional information from Ms. DiBernardino".

CHAIRPERSON ACTIONS

None.

AGENDA ITEMS

None

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:57p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/02.06.24%20ps%20minutes.pdf