City of Byron Public Safety Committee met June 19.
Here is the agenda provided by the committee:
Alderman Dan Reilly called the meeting to order at 5:45 PM.
1. ROLL CALL:MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Dan Reilly, Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Alderman Zeke Hobbie
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHER ALDERMEN PRESENT: Alderman Gerdes
OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Caryn Huber, Police Chief Todd Murray, City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl, Anna Derocher (Fehr-Graham), Mayor John Rickard, Drew Hogan
2. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
3. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES, MAY 15, 2019 – Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve, as presented, the Public Safety Committee Regular Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2019. Seconded by Alderman Reilly. Motion passed.
4. RUSH PROPERTY – Chief Murray referred to Dropbox documents to reference where the Rush Property is located – on Route 2 by the first viaduct. The owner, Rhonda Rush, passed away last fall, and the property has fallen into a state of disrepair. It was condemned by the Ogle County Health Department. She had no will, and her son lives in another property on 2nd Street, which the Police Department is working with him to clean up as well. He wants no part of the other house, and understands it needs to be torn down. In discussions with the bank, they have stated that if Ryan Rush signs over the property to the city, that they will release all liens on the property so the city can demolish it. Director Hewitt has received one bid from Kelsey for $7500, however, they cannot do the demolition until after October. Other bids will be sought from O’Brien Civil Works and Norup. Chief Murray told Ryan that the most compensation the city could give would be to put a dumpster at his property to aid in his clean up. Our options are limited – if the city does not take the property, it will remain in limbo between Ryan and the bank for the foreseeable future. The property adjoins other city property, as is indicated on the map. The city is currently mowing it. Alderman Hobbie asked if we would be taking on the cost of the demolition, and if we have the ability to offer neighboring adjoining properties a discount on part of the land. Chief Murray stated there is only one adjoining property. Attorney Krahenbuhl stated that we will need to do a title search to see if there are other liens on the property besides the bank. No action needs to be taken at this time, rather, Chief Murray and the Mayor want to make Council aware of the situation in preparation for action to be taken later.
5. SOCIAL MEDIA – Mayor Rickard introduced Anna Derocher. She is the Marketing Manager at Fehr-Graham, and prior to that, has had nineteen years of experience in the media field. She has started social media platforms there, and at Fehr-Graham. As the city discusses having a social media platform, she is available to assist in any way she can. They can help with start up, posts, strategy, answering questions, etc. Alderman Reilly asked if we would be hiring Fehr-Graham. Anna said yes, but if we decide to, it is up to us as to how much we want to spend. After start up, the cost would be minimal. Alderman Gyorkos asked how social media fits into the open meetings act. Alderman Reilly explained only one or two people would be allowed to post, and there would be policy for council on how to respond. The goal would be to put our information out to the public or get information from the public. Alderman Gyorkos asked if, like minutes, posts would need to be approved by the council before posting. Chief Murray sees the platform as being used for disseminating information (hydrant posting, water main breaks, etc).
6. BYRON SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOURCE OFFICER - Chief Murray informed the committee that, at this time, it looks like the Sheriff’s Department will be providing the School Resource Officer starting in fall. Byron hopes to fill the position mid-year or next school year. Chief Murray has two candidates taking the psych test next week. They have no prior years of service. The Superintendent and School Board have all been informed. Alderman Hobbie and Alderman Gerdes expressed concerns that we have not been able to fill the open police positions. Chief Murray explained that our pay is lower than nearby departments, and in the past year we have hired three officers, but already lost two. Alderman Hanlin asked if the SRO would start at a different pay scale, but Chief Murray said they would be paid wherever we are in the normal police officer pay scale. If we are able to hire the two officers once they finish psych testing, we will have five officers with less than two years experience. Alderman Gyorkos asked how they are finding the new officers, and asked if a retired officer is an option. Chief Murray said most are not looking for full time work. The requirements are that they have to be a juvenile officer, and take a SRO course, which will be mandated in the next year or two.
7. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY AND UPDATE – No update since this was not a regularly scheduled meeting.
8. Executive Session (Section 2)(c)(1)-Personnel
9. Executive Session (Section 2)(c)(21)-Review & Approval of Closed Meeting Minutes
10. Alderman Reilly stated there is no need for Executive Session, and adjourned the meeting at 6:12 pm.
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