HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 Bd of Fire & Police Agendas & Minutes erkMINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
January 12, 1995
The Regular Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held January 12 , 1995, at
7 : 05 p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Mary Camacho, Commissioner Kay
Diamond, Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Commissioner Chuck Reed
Member Absent: Chairman Ronald O'Neal
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed to accept the December 8,
1994, minutes .
Commissioner Camacho distributed a list of changes and also
asked that names be listed for each vote.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to table the minutes until the next meeting.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed Nays : None
Correspondence was received from police applicants Brian
Lawrence and Frank Pablocki asking to be passed over this time.
Chief Gruber said that the City Manager wants to begin over
hiring. He would like new employees to be trained and prepared
to fill vacancies before the actual vacancies occur.
Mr. Folarin asked how he should respond to a letter received
from a police applicant that was eliminated from the selection
process since HRD has sent him two letters previously. Commis-
sioner Reed suggested that the letter be sent to Legal .
A motion was made by Commissioner Diamond, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to leave the police sergeant applicant, that was
absent from the assessment center orientation, on the list.
Yeas : Diamond, Ericson, Reed Nays : Camacho
The preliminary Police Sergeant Eligibility List was distributed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Diamond, to adjourn at 8 :40 p.m.
Yeas: Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed Nays : None
Respectfully submitted:
eftMarlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
March 9, 1995
The Regular Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held March 9, 1995, at 7 : 14
p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Commissioner
Chuck Reed, Chairman Ronald O'Neal
Commissioner Reed distributed copies of , a letter he received
from the Municipal Police and Fire Registry of Illinois for
informational purposes .
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to appoint Michael W. Falese from the June 11 , 1993,
eligibility list for Fire Captain, effective February 27 , 1995 .
Yeas : Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to appoint Henry Smith and William Soulier from the
January 23, 1995, eligibility list for Police Sergeant, effec-
tive March 5, 1995 .
Yeas : Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Commissioner Diamond arrived.
Part time Parking Control Officer Travis Hooker, who was an
Explorer for three years prior to being employed by the Police
Department, asked if the police officer application process
could include 20 year olds with the understanding that they
would be eligible for hire at the age of 21 . He stated that St.
Charles currently does this . Deputy Chief Darr suggested that
since education and a two year degree in Criminal Justice is
desired, this would include some of these students as well. Mr.
Folarin said that this could be explored but it is too late for
this testing process because changing the rules would take too
much time. Commissioner Reed suggested that Legal be consulted
since a Criminal Justice education is desired.
Police Lieutenant exam dates were discussed. Deputy Chief Darr
suggested that even though many of the candidates will be attend-
ing school in Schaumburg, classes end at 4 p.m. so they would be
available in the evenings . HRD will set the dates . At the
Board' s direction, Mr. Folarin obtained and distributed addition-
al assessment center information from the Merit Employment As-
sessment Service, Inc. and Stephen A. Laser Associates . The
Board decided to continue with Hale & Associates, the firm that
conducted the assessment center for the Sergeant exam.
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Fire and Police Commission
March 9, 1995
Page 2
The Police Officer entry level examination process was discussed.
Commissioner Camacho arrived.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Ericson, to only give out 400 applications . No applica-
tions will be mailed.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
HRD will set the time of day for the distribution.
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to allow a set number to go from the written
test to Part I background check.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Reed Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to make the set number = 100 persons to continue in
the process which includes physical agility, Part I (Reid back-
ground check) , Part II (Police Department background check) , and
oral interview.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Reed Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to accept only "Recommended" from the Part I background
check.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Reed Nays : None
Firefighter oral interview dates were set: April 17, May 1, 2,
3 from 6-9 pm; May 6 from 10 am-5 pm; May 13 from 10 am-4 pm;
May 15 from 6-9 pm.
Commissioner Camacho ' s recommended amendments to the December
minutes were discussed. A motion was made by Commissioner Reed,
seconded by Commissioner Diamond, to accept the December 8,
1994, minutes .
Yeas : Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Reed, Abstained: Camacho
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to accept the January 12, 1995, minutes .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Reed Nays : None
Deputy Chief Darr complimented the Board on their previous list
of police officers .
Fire and Police Commission
March 9, 1995
Page 3
Deputy Chief Darr asked if Lieutenant applicants are required to
have 60 college credit hours, and if Sergeants have to be off
probation. The answers to both questions were yes .
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Camacho, to adjourn at 9 : 12 pm.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, O'Neal, Reed Nays : None
Respectfully submitted:
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
May 11, 1995
The Special Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held May 11, 1995, at 5 : 42
p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Kay Diamond, Commissioner Eugene
Ericson, Commissioner Chuck Reed, Chairman Ronald O'Neal
A motion was made by Commissioner Diamond, seconded by Commis-
sioner Ericson, to approve the March 9, 1995, minutes .
Yeas : Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Effective June 5, 1995, and upon the recommendation of City
Manager Helwig, a motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded
by Commissioner Ericson, to hire Mr. Edward Hanson the remaining
individual from the previous Firefighter Eligibility List and
the first three individuals from the new eligibility list.
Yeas : Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Helwig, a motion was
made by Commissioner Diamond, seconded by Commissioner Reed, to
appoint William Baker from the December 1 , 1993, Fire Lieutenant
Eligibility List, effective March 27 , 1995 .
Yeas : Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Commissioner Camacho arrived.
The proposed updated Fire and Police Board Rules and Regulations
were discussed. Mr. Folarin stated that in addition to incorpo-
rating the Commissioners ' and the Fire and Police Departments '
proposals, Legal organized the document and updated it to con-
form with current law.
On behalf of Chief Gruber, Assistant to the Chief Sergeant Henry
Smith presented suggested changes :
• Increase Department merit and efficiency points
• Allow probationary officers who are certified and have
completed probation at another department to take promotion-
al tests .
• Allow probationary supervisors to take promotional tests .
• Provide that vision and hearing requirements be in accor-
dance with ADA.
Allow the Chief to discharge a probationary officer or
probationary supervisor with the approval of the City Manag-
er without a hearing.
Fire and Police Commission
May 11, 1995
Page 2
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to change the scoring of Stage 1 .
From:
Written examination 25%
Department merit and efficiency 50%
Seniority 25%
Passing average 72%
To:
Written examination 35%
Department merit and efficiency 40%
Seniority 25%
Passing average 72%
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Ericson, to rescind the previous motion to change the
scoring of Stage 1 .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to change the scoring of Stage 1 to the following.
From:
Written examination 10 points - 25%
Department merit and efficiency 20 points - 50%
Seniority 10 points - 25%
Passing average 72%
To:
Written examination 20 points - 40%
Department merit and efficiency 20 points - 40%
Seniority 10 points - 20%
Passing average 72%
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
(eft. sioner Diamond, to authorize the change of Rules as written.
The motion was withdrawn.
Fire and Police Commission
May 11, 1995
Page 3
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, that Rule 3, Section 4, Probation be retained.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Rule V, Section 4, Examinations-Minimum Grade will be changed
from Oral Test (Pass or Fail) to (* ) .
Police Officer interview dates will be scheduled at the June 8,
1995, meeting. Physical agility testing will be conducted May
20, 1995 . Departmental oral interviews will not be included
this time with background investigations .
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to meet at 5 : 30 pm instead of 7 : 00 pm on June 8, 1995 .
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Discussion of changing meeting times for the remainder of the
year will be placed on the June agenda.
Hearings will be completed before the Mayor appoints the new
Commissioners .
A motion was made by Commissioner Camacho, seconded by Commis-
sioner Diamond, to reelect Chairman O'Neal to Fire and Police
Board Chairman.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commission Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to adjourn the meeting at 7 :22 pm.
Yeas : Camacho, Diamond, Ericson, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
July 13, 1995
The Special Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held July 13, 1995, at 5 :35
p.m. in the City Manager ' s Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Commissioner
Diane Longfield, Commissioner Chuck Reed, Chairman Ronald O'Neal
Chairman O'Neal welcomed Commissioner Diane Longfield who has
been appointed to fill one of the two commissioner vacancies and
said the remaining commissioner vacancy will hopefully be filled
prior to the August meeting.
Commissioner Reed suggested sending Commissioner Mary Camacho
and Commissioner Kay Diamond a formal thank you recognizing
their faithfulness during their terms of service.
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to approve the May 11, 1995, minutes .
Yeas: Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made byCommissioner Reed, seconded byCommissioner
Ericson, to move the August 10, 1995, to 5 : 30 and place the
discussion of changing the regular meeting time on the agenda.
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Commissioner Reed will review the 27 police officer applicant
background ,checks and present a synopsis to the Board. Inter-
views were scheduled as follows .
August 1 - 10 interviews, 3 : 30 to 7 :50
August 2 - 10 interviews, 3: 30 to 7 :50
August 3 - 7 interviews, 3 : 30 to 6:20
Commissioner Ericson read a letter inviting the Commission mem-
bers to the Fire graduation ceremony and lunch at Rolling Knolls
Country Club on July 17, 1995 . The ceremony is scheduled for
noon and the lunch for 1 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed to adjourn to executive session. The motion was
withdrawn.
Sergeant Henry Smith, representing Chief Gruber, requested that
(17 a process be developed to provide a continuous eligibility
list. He further stated that the City Manager wants to pre-hire
so that when officers retire or leave, or if there is an in-
crease in authorized strength, new officers will be trained and
ready.
Minutes
Board of Fire and Police Commission
July 13, 1995
Page 2
Commissioner Reed volunteered to study the hiring needs with the
Chief. Chairman O 'Neal asked that the Chief provide for the
August 10 meeting a written report of how many officers will be
needed for the next year. Commissioner Ericson asked also for a
list of eligible retirees for each year. Commissioner Reed
requested that a list be developed to include the following four
levels :
1 . Number of police applications
2 . Number of applicants that passed the written test
3. Number of applicants selected for background checks
4. Number of finalists
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to adjourn to executive cession at 6 : 33 pm.
Yeas: Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
erk Copies of the previous police officer interview questions were
reviewed. Two changes will be made - question number seven will
be replaced, and Human Resources will weight the questions .
A motion was made by Commission Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to adjourn to special session at 6:42 pm.
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commission Ericson, seconded by Commission-
er Reed, to adjourn the meeting.
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays: None
Respectfully�+�� submitted,
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
August 10, 1995
The Special Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held August 10, 1995, at
5: 35 p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner Eugene Ericson, Commissioner
Diane Longfield, Commissioner Chuck Reed, Chairman Ronald O'Neal
Corrections to the July 13, 1995, minutes:
• Paragraph 2 - "Commissioner Ericson suggested sending Com-
missioner Mary Camacho and Commissioner Kay Diamond a for-
mal thank you recognizing their faithfulness durihg their
terms of service. "
• Page 2 - Executive Session should be recorded on a separate
page.
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Longfield, to accept the minutes with noted corrections .
Yeas: Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Item E ( 1) Attorney Cathy Cavin' s request was cancelled.
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Helwig, a motion was
made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner Longfield,
to appoint Ryan M. Holtz from the May 6, 1995, Firefighter Eligi-
bility List, effective September 18, 1995 .
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Helwig, a motion was
made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commissioner Reed, to
appoint James Lamkin from the June 16, 1995, Police Lieutenant
Eligibility. List, effective July 23, 1995 .
Yeas: Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Helwig, a motion was
made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Reed,
to appoint James R. Barnes from the January 23, 1995, Police
Sergeant Eligibility List, effective July 23, 1995 .
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Longfield, to change the regular meeting time from 7 :00 pm to
5: 30 pm, effectively immediately.
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
wlam'
Fire and Police Commission
August 10, 1995
Page 2-
A memo from Chief Gruber was discussed. Chief Gruber explained
that he is requesting that the hiring process be changed in
order to accommodate the City' s desire to overhire so there will
be no interruption of service when vacancies occur. Since train-
ing takes almost a year, the replacements would then be trained
and ready for full time service.
Chief Gruber said the police department currently has four vacan-
cies, is anticipating at least six more, and the City Council
may even add four to six more after last night' s meeting. Chief
Henrici said the fire department currently has one vacancy.
Commissioner Reed will work with Chief Gruber, Chief Henrici,
Human Resources, and Legal to develop a plan. When a meeting
date has been set, he will notify the other commission members
so they can attend also if they wish.
Commissioner Reed suggested that the Rules and Regulations be
discussed at the next meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Longfield, to adjourn the meeting at 6: 04 pm.
Yeas : Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
"l' MINUTES
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
October 4, 1995
The Special Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission
of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held October 4, 1995, at
5: 35 p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
Members Present: Commissioner William Chesbrough, Commissioner
Eugene Ericson, Commissioner Diane Longfield, Commissioner Chuck
Reed, Chairman Ronald O'Neal
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Reed, to accept the August 10, 1995, minutes .
Yeas: Chesbrough; Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Helwig, a motion was
made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner Longfield,
to appoint the next seven police officers from the August 3,
1995, eligibility list, effective September 1, 1995, and October
8, 1995 .
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Upon the recommendation of City Manager Helwig, a motion was
made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to appoint John Denofrio as police sergeant from the
January 23, 1995, eligibility list, effective October 11 , 1995 .
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Commissioner Reed •discussed the committee ' s recommendations
reference maintenance of authorized strength in the police and
fire departments .
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Chesbrough, to select the top 250 written scores from the next
testing process for both police and fire to proceed to the next
step in the process (the Reed Evaluation for background) . A
minimum number of 50 will then be selected from the group of
candidates successfully completing the Reed Evaluation to pro-
ceed through the process and make a final list. Should this
list be depleted within 2 years, the remainder of the group
passing the Reed Evaluation could be immediately inserted into
the balance of the process to generate another list. The test-
ing process could be shortened significantly with this method of
rotating lists without adding large numbers to a single inter-
viewing schedule for the Fire and Police Commission.
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
eb*. Fire and Police Commission
Page 2
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Longfield, to prepare a report to be sent to the City Manager to
establish a fixed number of overhires (positions to be hired
above and beyond the current authorized strength of each depart-
ment in 1996 . The number discussed was 3 to be used to offset
the recruitment delay and scheduled reductions such as retire-
ments .
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Longfield, to prepare a report to the City Manager to establish
a reserve force in each department to help alleviate the shortag-
es that arise due to resignation, illness, disability, and work-
men ' s compensation, vacation and disciplinary actions . The
Part-time Police Bill can be used as a basis for establishing
this force and recruits would be subject to the same hiring
procedures through the Commission as full-time candidates . The
advantages of the Reserve Force have been recognized in many
communities as a cost-effective way to maintain optimum depart-
ment strength.
. Commissioner Reed modified the motion to include, "The Fire and
Police Commission will reserve the right to review any recommen-
dations made by the City Manager prior to submitting them to
City Council . "
Yeas : Chesbrough, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Present: Ericson
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Longfield, to use the Rule of 3 . Selection and promotion should
be based on skill and need ( language skill for example) for
advancement. Communities that successfully allow any 1 of the
top 3 candidates to be promoted from an established list main-
tain flexibility in filling positions which have special needs .
The Fire and Police Commission requests that the City Manager
submit his recommendations to the Fire and Police Commission for
review prior to submitting them to the City Council .
Yeas : Chesbrough, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nay: Ericson
Fire and Police Commission
Page 3
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A motion was made by Commissioner Reed to accept the Board of
Fire and Police Commissioners Rules and Regulations with changes
on page 19 - Section 7 (b) from 5 days to 30 days and Section
7 (c) from 30 days to 90 days .
No second.
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Commissioner
Ericson, to accept the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
Rules and Regulations adding Rule VII , Section 15'(b) from the
previous Rules and Regulations to Rule VII, Section 15, Demo-
tion: "The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners may demote to
any lower grade or rank officers of the police and fire depart-
ments, for cause, in lieu of discharge, and in addition to any
suspension that may be imposed; but only at the request of the
City Manager and department chief . "
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A new recruitment process for the position of police officer was
discussed. Chief Gruber will provide some situational videos
ellek for the interview process .-
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Chesbrough, to distribute a maximum of 600 applications
to police officer candidates .
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
A motion was made by Commissioner Ericson, seconded by Commis-
sioner Longfield, to adjourn the meeting at 7 pm.
Yeas : Chesbrough, Ericson, Longfield, Reed, O'Neal Nays : None
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Friedland
Recording Secretary
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