City of Byron Public Safety Committee met March 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Dan Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Dan Reilly, Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Alderman Andy Gramer
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Caryn Huber, Police Chief Todd Murray, City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl, Director Larry Hewitt, Mayor John Rickard.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
2. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 16, 2019 – Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the minutes of January 16, 2019, Alderman Gramer seconded. Motion passed by voice vote.
3. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 20, 2019 – Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the minutes of February 20, 2019, Alderman Gramer seconded. Motion passed by voice vote.
4. BYRON SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOURCE OFFICER – Chief Murray asked to keep this as a continuing item on the agenda until the department has the appropriate staff to cover the position. He continues to communicate with Principal Barton. Alderman Reilly asked if the anticipated budget cuts will affect this position. Chief Murray explained that funds to be used to pay this position would be taken from the school’s Tort Fund as a life safety issue. There is no cap when taxing for the tort fund.
5. BYRON POLICE DEPARTMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRAINING AND UNIFORM REIMBURSEMENT – An agreement is included in Dropbox. Chief Murray has modeled this agreement after similar agreements from other agencies, and is the same agreement that the prospective officer signed at his current department. Some of the language has been changed to fit our circumstances. The amount to buyout the officer’s current contract is approximately $13,000, as opposed to a cost of approximately $22,000 to train an officer as a new hire. There is the added risk of potential injury to the officer during training. The prospective officer will still have to complete Byron specific field training. This officer currently lives in Byron, and his wife and family are long time residents of Byron, so it is hoped this will result in longevity on the department. Attorney Krahenbuhl reviewed the agreement and made note of one concern. If the officer leaves and payment has not been made, the agreement states that the Byron Police Department will hold his last check. According to State Labor laws, we are not allowed to do this. There are some uniform costs we will have, however, he already has his vest, which is approximately $750.
Regarding hiring an additional officer, a testing date of April 6 has been set for the physical agility and written tests, which is the first step in the hiring process. Applicants must have a high school diploma. Out of the 20 applicants received, 3-4 are already certified by the state (but some have worked in as many as six different departments), and 6-8 have military experience. Several will be weeded out during the physical agility portion of the test.
Chief Murray is asking the committee to recommend hiring the prospective officer immediately. Lieutenant Randels will be retiring soon, and Officer Kuczynski will not receive much notice to begin the State Police Academy. Alderman Reilly asked when a second new officer could start and Chief Murray replied that the process takes much longer. We are on the waiting list for 3-4 academies. Alderman Reilly asked about the impact on this year’s budget. Chief Murray does not see a significant impact on this year’s budget since we are at the end of the fiscal year. Alderman Reilly asked if there are enough officers now to handle department activity. Chief Murray replied that there is, however, there is the potential for more overtime hours being used. Additional officers will be needed during ByronFest.
Alderman Reilly motioned to recommend to council that we approve the Agreement for Training and Uniform Reimbursement for Byron Police Officers. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Motion passed by voice vote.
Alderman Gramer motioned to recommend to council to hire a new police officer at the rate of $19.60/hour per union contract. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Motion passed by voice vote.
6. Personnel-Police Officer – Covered in Agenda item #5.
7. Department Activity & Update – Chief Murray and Mayor Rickard had a meeting with liquor license holders regarding overserving, cigarette butts on their property, and smoking by doors, and the fines involved for infractions. They also covered the number of people allowed to be present after hours to clean and the amount of time they have. They discussed upcoming summer special events. Chief Murray will forward additional department activity statistics to the committee.
8. Executive Session (Section 2)(c)(1)-Personnel
9. Executive Session (Section 2)(c) (21)-Review & Approval of Closed Mtg Minutes
Alderman Reilly stated there is no need for Executive Session.
Alderman Reilly adjourned the meeting at 6:24 pm
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/3-20-19_Public_Safety_Regular_Meeting_Minutes-Approved.pdf
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