HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 Bd of Fire & Police Agendas & Minutes r"" MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
February 23, 1993
A special meeting of the Board of Fire and Police
Commissioners of the City of Elgin, Illinois was held on
February 23, 1993 at 7 : 14 p.m. at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter
Court, Elgin, Illinois. 60120.
Members Present: Chairman Eugene Ericson, Mary Camacho, Kay
Diamond, Ronald O'Neal and Bruce Trego.
Femi Folarin, Human Resources Director, gave a brief overview
of his recent meeting with Fred Hunter and explained in detail
the exhibits provided regarding criteria for police officer
applicants.
The Commission discussed the total process and decided to use
the following procedure.
The positive and negative factors will be applied to all
applicants . The top forty from this review will then
have the standards applied. Applicants who are still in
the process will go to oral interview with the Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho and seconded by
Commissioner Diamond to accept the positive and negative
indicators as established.
Yeas : Ericson, Camacho, Diamond, O'Neal and Trego.
Nays: None.
Due to the late hour the Commission decided to meet on March
4, 1993 at 6 :00 p.m. to discuss the Pre-Employment Standard
Guidelines.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by
Commissioner Diamond, to adjourn the meeting at 9 :45 p.m.
Yeas : Ericson, Camacho, Diamond, O'Neal and Trego.
Nays: None.
Respectfully submitted by,
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VirginSchuring, Hum Resources
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
March 4, 1993
The special session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois was held March 4, 1993 at 6 : 10
p.m. in the Council Conference Room, North Tower of City Hall .
Members Present: Commissioner Kay Diamond, Chairman Eugene
Ericson, Commissioner Ronald O'Neal, and Commissioner Bruce Trego
Member Absent: Commissioner Mary Camacho
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to accept the minutes from the February 11, 1993,
regular session and also the minutes from the March 23, 1993,
special session.
Yeas: Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
The written examination for the Fire Captain examination process
will be held the week of April 19, 1993. A motion was made by
Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commissioner O'Neal, to again
elk use the assessment center structured oral and in-basket.
Yeas : Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Pre-employment Standard Guidelines were discussed for police
officer applicants. (Commissioner Camacho arrived. ) The scor-
ing of illegal drug usage was discussed. The criminal history
information presented at the February 23, 1993, meeting will be
used since it was copied from the State Statute.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to adjourn to executive session.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
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Special Session
March 4, 1993
Page 2
Mr. Folarin gave the breakdown for the top 40 applicants.
27 White Males 4 White Females
2 Black Males. 2 Black Females
4 Hispanic Males 0 Hispanic Females
1 Asian Male 0 Asian Females
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond to narrow the list to the top 25 applicants for the
interview process. After discussion the motion was amended "to
narrow the list to 30 applicants. "
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
Chief Gruber will work with Mr. Folarin regarding doing the
background investigations in order to be ready to establish
interview dates at the April 8, 1993, Fire and Police Board
Meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting, March 11, 1993, is can-
celled.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to adjourn the meeting at 8: 15 p.m.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Respectfully submitted:
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
March 10, 1993
The special session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois was held March 10, 1993, at 7 :07
p.m. in the City Manager's Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Kay
Diamond, Chairman Eugene Ericson, Commissioner Ronald O'Neal,
and Commissioner Bruce Trego
City Manager Larry Rice presented the proposed Cadet Program
which is similar to the ROTC program. Mr. Rice and Mr. Folarin
will meet with Legal before the next meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to accept the minutes from the March 4, 1993, spe-
cial and executive session meetings.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to elect Commissioner O'Neal as Chairperson for
the 1993/94 year, effective at the next meeting.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Thanks to Chairman Ericson, who served as Chairperson since 1988.
The dates for the Fire Captain assessment center will be set
within ten days after the written examination.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to negate action taken on March 12, 1992, regarding
points for entry level police appointments. Should the Board
discontinue the Municipal Registry for police entry level hir-
ing, the 5 points for being State of Illinois licensed will be
re-activated.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Diamond, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego to reaffirm action taken at the March 12, 1992,
reference college credit for promotion of police sergeants and
lieutenants.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Interview meetings were scheduled for police officer applicants.
eft A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to adjourn the meeting at 8: 12 p.m.
MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
Marc-11 10, 1993
D`
The special session of the B and of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois was held March 10, 1993, at 7 :07
p.m. in the City Manager's Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Kay
Diamond, Chairman Eugene Ericson, Commissioner Ronald O'Neal,
and Commissioner Bruce Trego
City Manager Larry Rice presented the proposed Cadet Program
which is similar to the ROTC program. Mr. Rice and Mr. Folarin
will meet with Legal before the next meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to accept the minutes from the March 4, 1993, spe-
cial and executive session meetings.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to elect Commissioner O'Neal as Chairperson for
the 1993/94 year, effective at the next meeting.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Thanks to Chairman Ericson, who served as Chairperson since 1988.
The dates for the Fire Captain assessment center will be set
within ten days after the written examination.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to negate action taken on March 12, 1992, regarding
points for entry level police appointments. Should the Board
discontinue the Municipal Registry for police entry level hir-
ing, the 5 points for being State of Illinois licensed will be
re-activated.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Diamond, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego to reaffirm action taken at the March 12, 1992,
reference college credit for promotion of police sergeants and
lieutenants.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Interview meetings were scheduled for police officer applicants.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to adjourn the meeting at 8: 12 p.m.
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
May 16, 1993
A special session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission -of
the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held May 16, 1993, at 7 : 00 p.m.
in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Kay
Diamond, Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Chairman Ronald O'Neal,
Commissioner Bruce Trego
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to accept the minutes from the October 7, 1993,
and January 27, 1994, meetings .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to have staff respond to a letter received from
Dennis Ziulek, a police applicant.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
Effective August 20, 1993, Public Act 88-440 amended the Board
of Fire and Police Commissioners Act by expanding the categories
of persons who may receive preference points to be added to
their test scores . Staff was asked to prepare a comparison
report of the present procedure and Public Act 88-440 for discus-
sion at the June 9, 1994, meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to appoint Anthony Spann from the January 25,
1993, Firefighter list, and Cyril Mikleson from the prior Fire-
fighter list, effective February 7, 1994 .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to appoint Rudy Horist from the December 1, 1993,
Fire Lieutenant list, effective February 7, 1994 .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to appoint Paul McCurtain from the May 13, 1992,
Police Lieutenant list, effective April 3, 1994 .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
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Board of Fire and Police Commission
May 16, 1993
Page 2
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to appoint Robert Nelson from the September 25,
1991, Police Sergeant list, effective April 3, 1994 .
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to appoint the next six applicants from the June
5, 1993, Police Officer list, to be effective as soon as possi-
ble.
After discussion, Commissioner Camacho withdrew the motion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to appoint the next six applicants from the June
5, 1993, Police Officer list, subject to their receiving a psy-
chological finding of "recommended" and passing the medical
examination, to be effective as soon as possible.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to instruct the psychologist to limit his findings
to "recommended" or "not recommended. "
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A recruitment process for police officer was discussed since at
least seven police officers will need to be hired for the river-
boat. Prior to using the Municipal Registry, the recruitment
process included the psychological testing before the job offer,
however, now ADA requires the psychological to be administered
after the job offer. Staff was asked to submit a report explain-
ing the previous recruitment process and include recommended
changes for the next testing cycle.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to adjourn to executive session at 8:45 p.m.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Board of Fire and Police Commission
May 16, 1993
Page 3
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to adjourn the meeting at 8 :58 p.m.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
Respectfully submitted:
1
, •Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
June 9, 1993
The regular session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held June 9, 1993, at 7 : 12
p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Kay Diamond, Commissioner Eugene
Ericson, Chairman Ronald O'Neal, Commissioner Chuck Reed
Member Absent: Commissioner Mary Camacho
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to accept the minutes from the May 16, 1994,
meeting.
Motion carried.
Chairman O'Neal welcomed Chuck Reed into the membership of the
Fire and Police Commission.
Commissioner Ericson asked staff to send former Commissioner
Trego a thank you note expressing appreciation for his contribu-
tions to the Fire and Police Commission. His badge will be
mounted on a plaque.
A badge will be ordered for Commissioner Reed.
Based on the May 23, 1994, memorandum received from City Manager
Richard Helwig, the following motions were made.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to appoint the next four eligible firefighters
from the January 25, 1993, Firefighter list to be effective July
18, 1994.
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to appoint Joseph August from the June 11, 1994,
Fire Captain list effective June 30, 1994 .
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Diamond, seconded by Commis-
sioner Ericson, to appoint Timothy Maroder, effective May 29,
1994, and Hollis Miller, effective June 30, 1994, from the Fire
Lieutenant list dated December 1, 1993 .
Motion carried.
Board of Fire and Police Commission
June 9, 1993
Page 2
The point system was reviewed. A motion was made by Commission-
er Ericson, seconded by Commissioner Diamond, to change the
current system to be consistent with the 8/20/93 Statutory chang-
es with minor changes . Legal will be asked to draft an ordi-
nance for review at the next meeting.
Motion carried.
Mr. Folarin stated that he asked Dr. Barras to limit his psycho-
logical findings for applicants to "recommended" and "not recom-
mended. "
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to approve the staff recommended procedure for
the police officer examination process .
Commissioner Ericson amended the motion to allow only the appli-
cants with the top 50 written examination scores to continue in
the process . Commissioner Diamond seconded the amended motion.
Motion carried.
Chairman O'Neal asked staff to find out if the 30 days discipli-
nary action can be exceeded in a Homerule community.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to adjourn at 8 : 18 p.m.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted:
Mar ene Friedland
Recording Secretary
erk
MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
July 8, 1993
The regular session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois was held July 8, 1993, at 7 :05
p.m. in the Council Conference Room, North Tower of City Hall.
Members Present: Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Chairman Ronald
O'Neal, Commissioner Bruce Trego
Members Absent: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Kay
Diamond
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Ericson, to accept the minutes from the May 10, 13, 20, 25,
27, and June 5, 1993, meetings.
Yeas: Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Based on the recommendations stated in the June 8 and July 8
memorandums received from City Manager Larry Rice, a motion was
made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commissioner Trego, to
appoint five new police officers from the Police Officer Eligi-
bility List dated June 5, 1993.
Commissioner Camacho arrived.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to appoint Robert Duffy to Police Lieutenant from
the May 13, 1992, Police Lieutenant list and Larry Lundsberg to
Police Sergeant from the September 25, 1991, Police Sergeant
list effective July 11, 1993.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Since the current list for Fire Lieutenant expires in August, a
motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to proceed with the testing process for the position
of Fire Lieutenant.
Yeas : Camacho, Ericpon, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Dr. Thomas Tyler of Merit Employment Assessment Service will
conduct the assessment process for fire lieutenant which is
similar to Chuck Hale's process for police lieutenant testing.
Police and fire department points will be discussed at the next
meeting. Both departments were asked to submit their sugges-
tions on the current point system.
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Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 2
eok The Fire and Police Commission will meet with City Council from
5: 30-6: 00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 1993.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Ericson, to approve the Cadet Program as submitted.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
The Municipal Police and Fire Registry process will be reviewed
at the next meeting. Director Folarin suggested that members
review the original materials from the Registry prior to the
meeting. He also suggested in order to evaluate the process
objectively, members should try not to prejudge but keep an open
mind remembering this is a new process.
Commissioner Trego asked HRD to calculate the cost of the previ-
ous process in comparison to the cost of the current process for
one applicant, to include man-hours (overtime) to conduct the
physical agility test. Commissioner Ericson asked how many of
the applicants received scholarships . Commissioner Trego sug-
gested that the quality of the candidates hired be discussed as
well.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Ericson, to release the psychological exams to the police
department.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Ericson, to adjourn at 8:43 p.m.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Respectfully submitted:
X •
1A1=01---/a-4
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
August 9, 1993
A special session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of
the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held August 9, 1993, at 7 :07
p.m. in the E.O.C. Room of City Hall.
Members Present: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Eugene
Ericson, Chairman Ronald O'Neal, Commissioner Bruce Trego
Member Absent: Commissioner Kay Diamond
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to accept the minutes from the July 8, 1993, meeting.
Commissioner Ericson stated that the minutes should be amended
to read "to approve the concept of the Cadet Program. "
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
City Manager Larry Rice explained that the special meeting was
convened in order for the Commission to respond to the City
Council 's request to receive written confirmation on the Police
Cadet Program.
Chairman O'Neal stated that originally he understood that the
program was directed toward the recruitment of minority and
women officers . Since finding out that this is not legally
possible, he agreed that it is a good community policing concept
to develop "home-grown" officers.
Mr. Rice said he hopes that it would still enhance minority
recruitment by increasing it up to one-half.
Chief Gruber stated that since the current Explorer Program is
only for high schoolers, this program will take the teenagers
from high school to the age of 21 in a continuing program. In
addition, it will provide an intergovernmental working environ-
ment which will benefit the community as well as those that may
not be able to afford a college education.
Commissioner Camacho expressed concern over lack of restrictions
on the type of degree to be sought by the cadet. Mr. Rice ex-
plained that the first two years would include law enforcement
classes and after that, he would rather the cadets pursue a
liberal arts education which would emphasize development of the
whole person.
Commissioner Camacho stated there is no written agreement that
the cadet has to stay at EPD or repay the funds spent on his/her
education. Commissioner Trego said he felt that once the cadet
has progressed in the program and worked in the Police Depart-
Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 2
ment, there is a high likelihood that the student will want to
continue in the secure offer of future employment.
Commissioner Camacho also expressed concern that cadets would
bump applicants on the eligibility list. Chief Gruber suggested
that the cadets can be planned for at the time that the eligibil-
ity list is established.
Commissioner Ericson wondered if, instead of spending money on
this program, it wouldn't be more wise to hire two or three
additional officers. Mr. Rice said cadets would work in the
police department 1,000 minimum hours per year. As new CSOs are
needed, cadets will be placed in those positions.
Polly Nash-Wright, Dean of Liberal Arts and Human Services at
Elgin Community College, explained the college's attempt to
diversify by obtaining a minority teacher as an intern. She
stated that the Cadet Program will provide an opportunity to
assist in the diversification of the Criminal Justice Program
also.
Chief Gruber said the Cadet Program, although not a minority
recruitment program, can be used as a tool to target minorities
that cannot afford to go to college. This laudable program will
create a larger vision which will not only encourage the communi-
ty to work with the police department but also encourage young
people in the community to participate with the police officers
in the community.
Commissioner Trego stated he believes the Commission is being
asked to approve the concept to educate and provide the most
talented persons possible for the police department.
Mr. Rice said he is concerned that we are possibly losing a lot
of talented people who could become police officers but can't af-
ford to go to college; this would include both needs and affirma-
tive action. In addition, he said he has discussed the possibil-
ity of a cadet program with the Fire Chief but as of vet has not
been able to come up with enough civilian jobs to implement it.
Assistant Corporation Counsel Gehrman explained that the pro-
posed ordinance addresses residency requirements. He also stat-
ed that the Commission will establish the rules and guidelines
for the program.
Commissioner Trego suggested that the City Council be informed
that the Commission is willing to accept this type of candidate
and acknowledges that the Cadet Program is a City program de-
signed to draw employees from the community.
Councilwoman Popple said she can see that the Council has put
the Commission in an awkward position. She said she thinks all
the Council really wants is to find out if the Commission sees
value in the Cadet Program. She also suggested that possibly
Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 3
the Fire Department could use cadets to help with fire education
in the schools.
Mr. Rice stated in previous cities where he served, several
internship programs were utilized.
Commissioner Trego suggested that the Commission reaffirm the
concept of the Cadet Program and state a willingness to work
with the City Council to implement it.
Human Resources Director Folarin will draft a letter to the City
Council that the Commission is in favor of the concept of a
Cadet Program and list each Commissioners specific concerns .
The Commission will work with the coordinator to implement the
program.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to table until the next meeting D-4, Review of cur-
rent point system for promotional examination, and D-5, Planned
review of the Municipal Police and Fire Registry Process.
Yeas : Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Ericson, to appoint Terry Bruce from the August 9, 1990, Fire
Lieutenant List, effective July 25, 1993.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Based on the recommendation from City Manager Larry Rice, a
motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to appoint Vincent Rychtanek from the January 25,
1993, Fire Fighter Eligibility List, effective September 13,
1993.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Since a police officer has been assigned to the El Protector
Program, and based on the recommendation from City Manager Larry
Rice, a motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by
Commissioner Camacho, to appoint Valerie Thomas from the June 5,
1993, Police Officer Eligibility List, effective August 2, 1993.
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
In response to Commissioner Camacho's inquiry, El Protector is a
program to help Hispanics understand the laws of the country.
Randy Convert was granted a leave of absence on July 31, 1992 .
He will graduate October 27, 1993, and return to work in Novem-
r ber.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
♦ .
Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 4
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Respectfully submitted:
j</G"
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
September 9, 1993
The regular session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held September 9, 1993, at
7:04 p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Kay Diamond, Commissioner Eugene
Ericson, Chairman Ronald O'Neal, Commissioner Bruce Trego
Member Absent: Commissioner Mary Camacho
Human Resource Director Folarin stated that Commissioner Camacho
asked that no action be taken on the Registry since she could
not be in attendance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Trego, to accept the minutes from the August 9, 1993,
meeting.
Yeas: Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
After expressing his desire to also table the review of the
point system to the next meeting so that Commissioner Camacho
could be in attendance, Commissioner Ericson made a motion to
adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Trego suggested discussing the issue. Commissioner
Ericson stated that it would save time to wait.
Commissioner Diamond seconded the motion at 7 : 10 p.m.
Since Chairman O'Neal will be out of town for the next regularly
scheduled meeting, a special meeting will be held October 7 or
21. Members will be notified.
Respectfully submitted:
/I( /
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
October 7, 1993
A special session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of
the C±t.y of Elgin, Illinois, was held October 7, 1993, at 7 :07
p.m. All the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Kay
Diamond, Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Chairman Ronald O'Neal,
Commissioner Bruce Trego
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Camacho, to accept the minutes from the September 9, 1993,
meeting.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Trego Nays: None
Commissioner Camacho asked if the board was going as a group to
the Police and Fire Awards Banquet.
The current point system for promotional examinations was re-
viewed. Commissioner Ericson expressed that perhaps the depart-
ment points should be decreased because the department already
- has input to the assessments by supplying the job description
and also supplies information for developing the written exam
testing instrument. Commissioner Camacho agreed to give more
points to the assessments.
Mr. McCollum explained the Police Department's method of compil-
ing department points, and Deputy Chief Curt Kramer did the same
for the Fire Department.
Commissioner Camacho expressed concern that 18 months is not
enough time on the job to be eligible to become a supervisor.
Mr. Folarin said there was no cut off on the past process which
meant everyone that took ;,he written test remained on the list.
Ms . Schuring said Chief Gruber was concerned about that as
well. Mr. Folarin said there still needs to be something to
balance it off.
Mr. McCollum cited the Peoria case where no one can be eliminat-
ed from the process unless merit and seniority are considered.
Detective Soulier stated concern that the sergeant exam process
is different everytime. If the board is considering eliminating
department or seniority points, he asked that the topic be ta-
bled until the next meeting so more department members could be
present to express their views.
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Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 2
Lt. Bialek agreed that seniority points shouldn't be eliminated.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Camacho, to revise the point system to: written-10, with
a 72% pass; department-20; assessment-60; seniority-10.
Commissioner Diamond suggested leaving the system as is: writ-
ten-10; department-30; assessment-50; seniority-10 because man-
agement knows the officers. Commissioner Trego agreed that he
does not support reducing department points because management
works with the officers on a day-to-day basis and really knows
their capabilities.
Mr. McCollum said 12 officers went to the assessment center in
the last sergeant's exam. He suggested that possibly in the
future written points, department points and seniority points
could be tablulated before entering into the assessment center
process.
The vote was taken (to revise the point system to: written-10
with a 72% pass; department-20; assessment-60; seniority-10) .
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal Nays: Diamond, Trego
The Municipal Police and Fire Registry was reviewed.
Director Folarin stated that the first four officers on the
elibility list were asked to come to talk to the commission
regarding the Registry. Two memos were received from the offi-
cers stating that they would like to have the opportunity to
•speak about the Registry.
Officer Richard Gausselin, who was hired the en0 of July, 1993,
spoke first. He said at first he was sceptilcal about going
through the Registry because of the $400 fse, but after having
been a police officer for seven years and having gone through
other testing processes, this is the best process he has ever
experienced. It was organized, personal, competitive, and took
into account - education, military experience, prior police
experience, and life experience. He said although he was short
on money at the time, Mr. Hunter was gracious and offered to
wait to be paid periodically as he could afford it. The Regis-
try attracts people that really want to become police officers
(not painters or carpenters who just happen to be out of work
and view it as just another job opportunity) . In addition, it
gives credit to those who have police experience which is profit-
able to the city because the officers need less training and
become productive in a shorter amount of time.
Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 3
The other officers indicated that Officer Gausselin spoke for
them except for Officer Robert Beeter, who said he echoed Offi-
cer Gausselin's remarks but wanted to add that he has been a
police officer for eight years and found the Registry process to
be the fairest test he ever took. It attracts the serious candi-
date, and the process is for other municipalities other than
Elgin also. It is beneficial for everyone - the city as well as
the candidate.
Commissioner Camacho stated that she doesn't want to eliminate
the painter or carpenter from becoming a police candidate be-
cause maybe they are just doing it until they can become a po-
lice officer. She also doesn't like the fact that they have to
pay money up front.
Commissioner Trego stated that the Cadet Program could be anoth-
er program to attract serious candidates.
Commissioner Ericson said that he sees good in the Registry
process but has concerns about the services that were supposed
to be provided but did not occur such as background checks,
psychological information, and scholarships available (only 10%
were recipients for a total of $287) .
Director Folarin was asked for his input. He asked that the
Commission make a decision without his input.
Commissioner Trego suggested that the Registry be invited to the
next meeting to address these concerns. Commissioner Diamond
said maybe some of the problems stemmed from the fact that this
is a new process. She also stated she believes it is the wave
of future, and we should be patient and work with them.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Ericson, to discontinue the Registry and go back to the
previous process.
Commissioner Trego stated that he was under the impression that
this meeting was to discuss the process and would like to sug-
gest that the Registry be invited back to discuss solutions.
Commissioner Diamond agreed; she said she would like to work
with them to iron out the wrinkles. Commissioner Camacho said
we did. Commissioner Diamond said the only thing we did was
work out our own point system. She asked if other communities
have joined the Registry. Director Folarin stated that other
communities have called and asked us to share our instruments.
Fire and Police Commission Meeting
Page 4
Commissioner Diamond said she feels when the growing pains prob-
lems are worked out, the process will become widespread through-
out the state and eventually the country.
The vote was taken (to discontinue the Registry and go back to
the previous process) .
Yeas: Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal Nays: Diamond, Trego
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho; seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to adjourn to executive session.
Special session was again called to order at 8:28 p.m.
Ms. Schuring stated that she has had many calls from people
asking when the City is going back to pick up the list.
Mr. Folarin asked what he should tell the Registry if they re-
quest to be put on the meeting agenda.
A motion was made by Commissioner Trego, seconded by Commission-
er Diamond, to ask the Registry to formally be invited to dis-
cuss the process.
Yeas: Diamond, Trego Nays : Camacho, Ericson, O'Neal
Mr. Folarin asked if the Registry can request to be on the agen-
da. Commissioner Trego said the Chairman should handle agenda
requests.
The October 14, 1993, regular meeting of the Board of Fire and
Police Commission is cancelled.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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