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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 Bd of Fire & Police Agendas & Minutes BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS eftFEBRUARY 13, 1997 The Regular Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was called to order by Commissioner Reed at 5 : 35 p.m. , on February 13, 1997 , in the City Manager's Conference Room. Members Present: Commissioner Gary Duffy, Commissioner Diane Longfield, Commissioner Chuck Reed Members Absent: Commissioner William Chesbrough, Chairman Ron O'Neal A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to accept the October 10, 1996, minutes . Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Longfield, to accept Kathy Schreiner's request to pass on the police officer appointment. Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint Adam Schuessler from the February 21 , 1996, Eligibility List, effective October 28 , 1996 . Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint David Baumgartner, Travis Hooker, Jason Lentz, and David Lesko from the February 21, 1996, Eligibility List, effective January 5, 1997 . Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint two police officers from the February 21, 1996, Eligibility List as soon as possible. Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint Edward Ufland from the January 23, 1995, Eligibility List for Sergeant, effective January 20, 1997 . Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None The Fire Lieutenant testing process has been completed, and the final Eligibility List has been issued. �, Only four people are remaining on the current list for police officer. The physical agility test will be held Sunday, February 16. Those that pass it will go on to the background process . Commissioner Reed suggested continuing with the 19 remaining people of the applicant list and also target June for starting a new testing cycle so that the process is completed before the list is depleted. Chief Gruber added that there is no prohibition against merging lists . He said that he is in need of minority officers, particularly Spanish and Asian speaking. The Board agreed to make the list effective for two years . The interview cycle should start in approximately five weeks . A questionnaire will be sent to Board members asking for dates they are available to conduct interviews . Chief Gruber invited the members to use the Case Room in the police department to conduct the interviews . Since the Fire Department entry level eligibility list expires in May, a new testing cycle will begin shortly. Entry level requirements were discussed. Chief Gruber encouraged the board to require sixty semester hours . He said this will not only provide more skills to meet the needs of today but also sends a message about our community and the police department. It sets a definite image. Commissioner Longfield added that additional education shows the person's willingness and ability to learn as well as stick to a goal. Commissioner Duffy said it also shows a person's initiative. Commissioner Longfield asked about a scholarship program. Chief said it is an excellent way to obtain quality people . He went on to say he proposed a cadet program a few years ago and offered to resubmit it for review. Preservice was also discussed. Both Chief Henrici and Chief Gruber said they would like to utilize some pre-service . A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Longfield, to adjourn the meeting at 6: 26 p.m. Yeas : Duffy, Longfield, Reed Nays : None Respectfully submitted, *1-4L- OL1,14 Marlene Friedland r MINUTES Board of Fire and Police Commission March 13, 1997 A regular meeting of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Elgin, Illinois was held on March 13, 1997 at 5 : 34 p.m. at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, Illinois 60120 . Members Present: Chairman Ronald O'Neal, Commissioners Gary Duffy and Diane Longfield. Member Absent: Commissioner William Chesbrough. A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy to accept the minutes from the February 13, 1997 meeting. Yeas: O'Neal, Duffy and Longfield. Nays : None. A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Duffy to appoint one Police Officer from the February 21, 1996 Eligibility List as soon as possible. Yeas : O'Neal, Duffy and Longfield. Nays : None. A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioners Longfield to appoint Officer Greg Welter to the position of Sergeant from the January 23, 1995 Eligibility List as soon as possible. Yeas : O'Neal, Duffy and Longfield. Nays : None. After a discussion of prior formats used for oral interviews • for the position of Police Officer, the Board decided to use a combination situation video and direct standard questions for the sixteen candidates to be interviewed. Chairman O'Neal recommended that the discussion of the proposed Police Cadet Program be put on hold due to the newspaper articles regarding the possibility of Police Chief Gruber retiring. He stated that if the City hired a new Police Chief that he may have a different concept or idea. However, after some discussion the Board asked that if Chief Gruber does decide to leave or if he stays, that the item be placed back on the agenda while he would still be available to explain it in more detail . eft Olufemi Folarin, Human Resources Director stated that the recruitment process for Firefighter has begun. A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy and seconded by Commissioner Longfield to adjourn the meeting at 6 : 07 p.m. Yeas : O'Neal, Duffy and Longfield. Nays: None. Respectfully submitted: Virgi a Schuring Board iaison 4 BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS June 12 , 1997 The Regular Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was called to order by Chairman O'Neal at 5 : 35 p .m. , on June 12, 1997, in the City Manager' s Conference Room. Members Present: Commissioner William Chesbrough, Commissioner Gary Duffy, Chairman Ron O' Neal Member Absent: Commissioner Diane Longfield A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to accept the March 13, 1997, minutes . Yeas : Chesbrough, Duffy, O' Neal Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to appoint Daryl Chapman from the July 26, 1996, Fire Captain Eligibility List effective April 16, 1997 . Yeas : Chesbrough, Duffy, O'Neal Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint John Fahy from the February 12, 1997, Fire Lieutenant Eligibility List, effective April 16, 1997 . Yeas : Chesbrough, Duffy, O'Neal Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to appoint Todd Wilmington from the February 21, 1996, Firefighter Eligibility List, effective June 16, 1997 . Yeas : Chesbrough, Duffy, O'Neal Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to appoint the next available police officer from the February 21, 1996, Eligibility List as soon as possible. Yeas : Chesbrough, Duffy, O' Neal Nays : None Commissioner Duffy asked if the current eligibility list has to be exhausted prior to selecting applicants from the new list or if they could be integrated into the new list . Mr . Folarin said that the first list has to be exhausted. r Mr. Folarin asked Mayor Kelly about plans for filling the vacancy on the Board. Mayor Kelly said that it was discussed at the City t ' Council meeting and hopefully the selection will be made before rft the July Fire and Police Board meeting. The scheduling of oral interview dates for the position of firefighter was tabled until the July meeting. Training Officer Rudy Horist discussed additional training now included in the probationary firefighter requirements . The Manual has been updated. No ordinance change is needed. A memorandum was received from Chief Gruber regarding increasing the educational requirements for applicants . Deputy Chief Darr said he feels there is a need for police officers to have a higher level of education. Chairman O' Neal asked Deputy Chief Kramer if he felt more education is needed for firefighters also. Deputy Chief Kramer agreed. Mr. Folarin said some communities have changed their rules, and a lot of current police officers are taking classes especially those interested in promotion. Chairman O'Neal asked that it be put on the next agenda after more statistics are available on educational background of those on the eligibility lists along with the breakdown of gender and racial diversity. Deputy Chief Darr said another vacancy on the police department is expected soon. A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to adjourn the meeting at 6 : 05 p.m. Yeas : Chesbrough, Duffy, O' Neal Nays : None Respectfully submitted, ;1),' 1 -- ,,�' Marlene Friedland ( BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS August 7 , 1997 • A Special Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was called to order by Chairman O'Neal at 5: 05 p.m. , on August 7, 1997, in the City Manager' s Conference Room. Members Present: Commissioner -William Chesbrough, Commissioner Diane Longfield, Commissioner Mary Taylor, Chairman Ron O'Neal Member Absent: Commissioner Gary Duffy Chairman O'Neal welcomed Commissioner Taylor as a new member of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners . A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Longfield, to accept the June 12, 1997, minutes . Yeas : Chesbrough, Longfield, O'Neal, Taylor Nays: None The following dates for firefighter interviews were set: August 25, 28 and September 3, 8, 15. The interviews will be scheduled from 5 : 00-8 : 00 p.m. at 20 minute intervals . Chairman O' Neal stressed the need for everyone to attend all of the interviews for scoring purposes . Commissioners reviewed the appeal and request for hearing on a disciplinary suspension received from Police Sergeant William Soulier. The issue was the timeliness of the request . The suspension was served on Friday and the appeal was filed on Tuesday. Virginia Schuring stated that Mr. Folarin said that appeals must be made within 24 hours according to the Rules and Regulations of the Fire and Police Board. He pointed out that the Rules and Regulations of the Fire and Police Board are the final authority since Elgin is a home rule community. Attorney Gehrman agreed. Attorney VanDer Snick explained that the Elgin Police Department Internal Affairs Manual and the Union Contract are in accordance with the State of Illinois Statute which allows 5 days for an appeal. A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to go into Executive Session. Yeas : Chesbrough, Longfield, O'Neal, Taylor Nays : None 1 The Special Session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was again called to order by Chairman O' Neal . A•motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to decline to hear the appeal of Sgt. Soulier due to the fact that he did not file the appeal in a timely manner according to the Fire and Police Board Rules and Regulations . Yeas : Chesbrough, Longfield, O'Neal, Taylor Nays : None A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Longfield, to adjourn the meeting at 6: 24 p.m. Yeas : Chesbrough, Longfield, O'Neal, Taylor Nays : None Respectfully submitted, /1/7a4,,,twc— Marlene Friedland 3 4111) BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS October 9 , 1997 The regular session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was called to order by Chairman O'Neal at 5 : 31 p.m. , on October 9, 1997, in the City Manager' s Conference Room. Members Present: Commissioner William Chesbrough, Commissioner Mary Taylor, Chairman Ron O'Neal Member Absent : Commissioner Gary Duffy, Commissioner Diane Longfield A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to accept the August 7, 1997, minutes . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to clarify Fire and Police Board Rule VI, Promotion, Section 1, to indicate that the list will be in effect three years from the date of establishment. Motion carried. A motion was made by. Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to amend the Fire and Police Board Rules, Rule VII, Hearing of Charges, Removals, Suspensions and Discharges Section 7B, to allow 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, for a suspension appeal . Motion carried. Commissioner Taylor recommended that a suspension notice be served while the employee is on the job. Commissioner Chesbrough advised that the department really needs the flexibility to serve a suspension when deemed necessary, depending on the severity of the incident. The Board agreed to leave it up to the discretion of the department. Maximum age requirement for new hires was discussed. The Legal Department advised reinstatement of the 35 year maximum age limit for applicants . Chief Henrici said that pensions will be affected since pension laws follow State Statute. Chief Gruber sited the Naperville case and asked Human Resources to find out more about 1 their situation. After additional information is obtained, it will be placed on the next agenda for further discussion. Entry-level educational requirements were discussed. Chief Henrici and Chief Gruber expressed the need for educational requirements to be raised. Chief Gruber said he would like to see a four year degree be mandatory but would be willing to start with 60 credit hours or an Associates Degree . Chief Henrici pointed out that an applicant that has some higher education shows ambition and a willingness to be trained. Commissioner Chesbrough recommended upgrading the requirement to 60 hours . Human Resources will do a survey of other cities and draft an amendment to Rule IV, Qualifications for Appointment and Applications, Section 1, for the next agenda. Virginia Schuring stated that the process is underway for the establishment of a Police Sergeant Eligibility List . A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to adjourn the meeting at 6 : 32 p .m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, • Marlene Friedland Recording Secretary 2 BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS June 11 , 1998 The regular session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was called to order by Chairman O 'Neal at 5 : 39 p.m. , on June 11, 1998, in the City Manager' s Conference Room. Members Present: Commissioner William Chesbrough, Commissioner Gary Duffy, Commissioner Diane Longfield, Commissioner Mary Taylor, Chairman Ron O 'Neal A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to accept the October 9 , 1997 , minutes . Motion carried. A memo from Police Officer Bill Wolf was discussed regarding educational experience credit for promotional exams. A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint John Harris, Daniel Rink and Bryan Johnson from the September 15, 1997 , Firefighter Eligibility List effective February 23 , 1998 . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to appoint Jimmy Mendez from the February 21, 1996, Police Officer Eligibility List effective November 17 , 1997 . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Duffy, seconded by Commissioner Longfield, to appoint Daniel Johnson from the February 21, 1996, Police Officer Eligibility List, and Elias Acevedo from the April 29 , 1997 , Police Officer Eligibility List effective March 29 , 1998 . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to appoint Kenneth Ericson, Joseph Sheehan, and Paul Sharp from the April 29 , 1997 , Police Officer Eligibility List effective June 1, 1998 . Motion carried. 1 A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Duffy, to appoint Michael Turner from the June 16, 1995, Police Lieutenant Eligibility List effective May 10, 1998 . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to appoint Donald Thiel, Robert Beeter, and Jeffrey Swoboda from the February 23, 1998, Police Sergeant Eligibility List effective April 26, May 10 , and May 24, 1998 , respectively. Motion carried. Mr. Folarin distributed the Legal opinion for the proposed rules changes . This will be discussed at next months meeting. Mr. Folarin explained the "Rule of Three" for promotions . If the Board chooses to support it, a recommendation from the Board will be sent to City Council . The Fire and Police Departments were asked to submit to the Board their process of assigning Departmental points as well as suggestions for weighting qualifications for new hires . Discussion of the Police Cadet Program was postponed until the Board' s next meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to adjourn the meeting at 7 : 06 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Marlene Friedland Recording Secretary 2 441) BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE CONIl*lISSIONERS July 28 , 1998 A special session of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Elgin, Illinois was called to order by Chairman O'Neal at 5 : 31 p.m. , on July 28, 1998, in the City Manager ' s Conference Room. Members Present: Commissioner William Chesbrough, Commissioner Diane Longfield, Commissioner Jeffrey Rif ken, Commissioner Mary Taylor, Chairman Ron O'Neal A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Chesbrough, to accept the June 11, 1998, minutes . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Rif ken, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to appoint Brian Kick, effective August 10, 1998, and William Nangler, effective September 14, 1998, from the September 15, 1997, Firefighter Eligibility List. Motion carried. Mr. Folarin reported that the April 29 , 1997 , Police Officer Eligibility List was challenged, and the Legal Department has found the list to be invalid. The Human Resources Department sent letters to the five remaining individuals on the list inviting them to participate in the next testing process . A list of only certified officers was proposed by the City Manager in order to fill the vacancies authorized by City Council due to the emergency needs of the Department. Legal has advised that the current rules will not allow it. Chief Gruber said that other cities have two lists - one general list and one with certified applicants . He suggested that City Council be asked to adopt an ordinance to allow Home Rule to accommodate the Fire and Police Commission' s desires . A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to request City Council to adopt an ordinance to modify the Police and Fire Commission rules to require that entry level police officers have an Associates Degree or the equivalent of sixty college credit hours . Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Rif ken, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, that should Commissioner Chesbrough' s motion be rejected by the Legal Department saying the equivalent of sixty college credit hours is impossible, the Commission ask City Council to proceed with the hiring process of an Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree as a prerequisite for employment. Motion carried. 1 A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Rif ken, to limit the number of application packets to three hundred. Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Chesbrough, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to table the following agenda items to the next regular meeting: F2 - Discussion of entry level requirements for new Police Officer and Firefighter applicants F4 - Discussion of Departmental Points for Promotional exam F5 - Discussion and consideration of Police Cadet Program Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Longfield, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to adjourn the meeting at 7 : 32 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, 71,-&.46Lt.-- " l Marlene Friedland Recording Secretary 2 41)