Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Public Safety Committee met Aug. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members of the Public Safety Committee met in person on August 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 Jeff Jenkins, Alderperson T. White, Alderperson Bredeman

Public Safety Committee members absent: None

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

Rebecca Hawkins was in the audience and informed the Committee that she would be recording this meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Rebecca Hawkins, 301 W. Maple, addressed the Committee with a request for the Committee to do an internal review of how the Committee addresses issues, specifically property maintenance issues. She does not feel that the Committee is held accountable to adhere to City policies, therefore the public is not informed correctly of these issues. She also stated there needs to be a checks and balances system for the Committee to insure policies are followed properly.

SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST:

"Cruise-In", Riverfront Party with open containers as submitted by Amy Holocker to be held Saturday September 14, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - Midnight. It was the consensus of the Committee to move this agenda item to Council for approval.

REQUEST FOR SIGNS AND STREET LIGHT-1407 CHESTNUT STREET:

Patricia Holt of 1407 W. Chestnut Street submitted a request to consider adding a stop sign, dead-end sign and street light on Chestnut Street. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to refer this agenda item to the Public Works Committee for consideration.

REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN- PRAIRIE SPRINGS BY PARK:

Chairman Jenkins informed the Committee that he had received a request for a stop sign at Prairie Springs by the park to better slow thru traffic. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to move this agenda item to Council to have the City Attorney draft an Ordinance for a stop sign at Prairie Springs and Keystone Court.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN PEORIA COUNTY AND THE CITY OF CHILLICOTHE ANIMAL CONTROL:

Chief Cooper addressed the Committee with the need and importance that the City has for this agreement for animal control with Peoria County. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that this agenda item be moved to Council for approval.

PURCHASE - TWO POLICE VEHICLES-2023 DODGE CHARGERS:

Chief Cooper addressed the Committee with a need to replace the 3 remaining Chevy Impala police vehicles due to excessive maintenance issues that have occurred this year costing the department more than their worth. Chief Cooper informed the Committee that Thomas Dodge Chrysler has two 2023 Dodge Chargers available for purchase at a cost under amount budgeted. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that this agenda item be moved to Council for approval of purchase.

PURCHASE - EQUIPTMENT NEW VEHICLES:

Chief Cooper addressed the Committee with information regarding the standard equipment needed for the new police vehicles if purchased through Ray O'Herron at a cost of approximately $7000.00 per vehicle, not to exceed $15.000 total cost. After discussion is was the consensus of the Committee to move this agenda item to Council for approval.

RETIREMENT - K9- DARK:

Chief Cooper informed the Committee that K9 Dark is 12 years old and has been with the Chillicothe Police Department for 10 years, due to his age and that Officer Bridges is transitioning as a school resource office at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, K9 Dark will be retiring. K9 Dark will be present at the August 12, 2024 Council meeting and receive a Proclamation for his service to the department and City of Chillicothe. It was the consensus of the Committee to have the City Attorney draft an Ordinance for the sale of K9 Dark to Officer Bridges.

DISCUSSION - DISASTER PLAN:

Chief Cooper reported no update, this agenda item will continue to be followed at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

UPDATE: CHILLICOTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Chief Cooper provided a report on impounded vehicles and ordinance zone statistics. (See attached) Chief Cooper also reported that Officer Buchanan has been cleared to return to full duty beginning 8/19/2024, however, he will require an additional hand surgery in January 2025. Officer Koser will be the school resource officer in the absence of Officer Hesterberg while she is currently out on maternity leave.

UPDATE: CHILLICOTHE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT:

Interim Fire Chief Jim Benisch reported to the Committee that they have responded to 399 calls to date. Interim Fire Chief Jim Benisch also reported that they have 4 new recruits that plan to attend the fall recruitment program.

NEW/OLD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE:

301 W. Maple - Property Maintenance - Chief Cooper read an email from City Attorney Kevin Day regarding a phone conversation with Darin Seibel, property owner of said property. (See attached) Chief Cooper stated that if Mr. Seibel has not responded with the requested information stated in the email by 8/9/2024 a citation will be issued at a cost of up to $750.00 per day if compliance is not met. Rebecca Hawkins asked if only the issues listed in the December 5, 2023 Notice of Violation submitted by former Assistant Fire Marshal Dave Price would be addressed, her concerns are that there have been several more issues that have occurred since the 12/5/2023 report which were listed in the July 2, 2024 Public Safety Committee meeting minutes. Updates will be reported at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

1007 Santa Fe - Dangerous Building - Alderperson Sharp addressed the Committee stating that he was informed by Judith DiBernardino, property owner of said property that the contractor she has secured for the demolition has been delayed with a previously committed project and as soon as that is complete he will begin her demolition. Updates will be reported at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

1411 Cutright - Property Maintenance - Chief Cooper reported to the Committee that this property does need to be mowed again, he has not been able to contact the property owner. A certified letter will be drafted and sent out to the property owner this week, if returned, a letter will be issued to Public Works to abate the property. If the abatement invoice is not paid, the process to place a lien on the property will begin. Updates will be reported at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

222 Hickory - Property Maintenance - Chief Cooper reported to the Committee that previously reported issues with this property have been resolved. This agenda item is considered resolved.

1353 N Second - Property Maintenance - Chief Cooper reported he had contacted Superintendent Shawn Sutherland to inspect the property to verify if previously reported issues had been resolved however had not yet heard back from Superintendent Sutherland. Updates will be discussed at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

411 N Third - Property Maintenance - Interim Fire Chief Jim Benisch reported to the Committee that he had inspected the property and did verify that the garage in question was in need of demolition. He will prepare a Notice of Violation to be sent to the property owner. Updates will be discussed at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

1042 N Second - Property Maintenance - Alderperson T. White stated he would view the property after the meeting and report updates to the Committee at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

AGENDA ITEMS

Approve - Special Event Request - Moontower Cruise-In

Authorize the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance for stop sign at Prairie Spring and Keystone Court

Approve agreement with City of Chillicothe and Peoria County Animal Control

Approve purchase 2 new police vehicles - Tom Dodge Chrysler

Approve purchase of equipment for new police vehicles - Ray O'Herron Authorize City Attorney to draft Ordinance for sale of K9 Dark to Officer Bridges

CHAIRPERSON ACTIONS

None

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/08.06.2024%20public%20safety.pdf