Public Safety Committee > Minutes

MINUTES OF THE

PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

HELD ON AUGUST 1, 2007

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 P.M.

PRESENT:                CHAIRMAN PATTI

                                        ALDERMAN NESSLING

                                        ALDERMAN GROCHOWSKI

ABSENT:                       ALDERMAN STRAUBE

                                        ALDERMAN RIESTERER

ALSO PRESENT:    CHIEF KOLETSOS

Chairman Patti presented the minutes of the July 11, 2007 meeting.     Alderman Nessling made a motion to accept the minutes of the July 11, 2007 meeting; seconded by Alderman Grochowski.  Chairman Patti called for a voice vote.  All were in favor.  The minutes were approved.

Unfinished Business:

Under New Business:

Chairman Patti received a phone call from a resident of the 200 block of Medill.  They said a representative from Comcast was in her yard.  The representative did not have any identification, did not have a company truck and was close to her house.  He was taking pictures of the back of her house.  When he was questioned, he said he had permission from the city to take pictures.  Her husband detained the gentlemen and called the police department.  An officer arrived and they went back to the vehicle and made a phone call to Comcast and everything checked out.  Chairman Patti wants to know if the city is giving permission to these vendors, why they aren’t wearing proper identification.  She feels that notification should be sent to homeowners notifying them that Comcast will be out inspecting.  Alderman Grochowski said that the resident did not have cable; she has satellite.  The representative said he was checking for illegal hook ups. 

Chief Koletsos said that many companies use contract employees who do not have company trucks or ID’s.  This is a way to save them money.  Chief Koletsos said that we can talk to the companies and set guidelines such as carrying an ID or a letter from the city giving them permission. 

Chairman Patti talked about the King Arthur Complex.  She said she received a phone call from an individual from King Arthur complaining that, due to the high gang volume there, kids have been putting gasoline in the mailboxes and igniting them.  The post office made a decision to take out their mailboxes.  Chairman Patti did not know if they are being forced to get a P.O. Box.  She told the individual that this is private property and he needs to take this matter up with the U.S. Postal System.  Chief Koletsos said that the area is policed several times a day. 

Dale Roberts, Public Works Superintendent, spoke about the vactor.  This is a multi-purpose machine.  It rods sewers, takes care of service lines, it rods out our sewer main and cleans out storm sewers.  A couple of years ago we implemented it to vacuum up debris from various jobs.  The vactor is a 1991.  We bought it used in 1997.  In 2001/2002 we replaced the engine and transmission on this truck.  Dale Roberts said this machine is starting to deteriorate.  Dale said that he met with Standard Equipment, who we bought this machine from, and asked them to give us a price on rebuilding the whole top.  They gave us a price of $100,000.00.  This amount is what Dales gets to purchase new equipment.  To purchase a new machine it would cost between $275,000.00 and $300,000.00.  The gentlemen from Standard Equipment said we could trade in what we have and purchase another one.  Being that Dale and Mark know the current machine, they are leaning toward rebuilding what we have. 

Alderman Grochowski asked what kind of “life” we would get by rebuilding.  Dale Roberts said that at least me know how old the engine and transmission is and what has been done to keep this truck in working order.  Dale Roberts said there is a warranty for 1 year.  Alderman Nessling asked if there is an extended warranty that can be purchased.  Mark Rail said he would have to find out. 

Chairman Patti said she does not have a problem recommending that we go with the rehabilitation of the old truck for $100,000.00.  Alderman Nessling agreed.    

A discussion about a sewer problem that just happened took place.

Dale Roberts talked about the computers at the Pump Station and the problem that happened over the weekend.  Dale will place this subject on the agenda for the next council meeting.

Alderman Patti asked Dale Roberts if Public Works will be trimming the trees on the parkways.  Dale said they have been doing this.  They have not done Fullerton because it was done last year.  Grochowski said that when his street was done, the branches sat in front of the houses for a long time because it was not time for branch pick up. Perhaps we could time this better.  Dale Roberts said Public Works normally takes the branches back to Public Works. 

Chairman Patti thanked Chief Koletsos for having the rope removed from the creek on Jerome.

Alderman Nessling suggested putting up a sign saying “kids playing” instead of speed bumps.  Chairman Patti said she has seen similar signs and it does not help. 

Chairman Patti asked about the house on the corner of Wolf and Palmer.  She said they have their garbage cans at the end of the street all the time.  He just walks his garbage out to the front.  Alderman Grochowski said there is another house on Roberta and Palmer that keeps his garbage cans behind the Comcast box by the curb. 

Chairman Patti said that one of her constituents was having a party and had called the police department because they wanted to park cars on the north side of the street.  He was told he could not do that.  He said that other homes in the area have been able to do that before and why couldn’t he.  Chairman Patti told him to let her know when he is   going to have a party and she will pass the information on.  Chief Koletsos said the Watch Commander should say “no” unless a special request is made in advance.

Chairman Patti said that she has noticed that on some blocks there are bushes and trees that are close to the sidewalk.  They are extended quite far over the sidewalks.  Chief Koletsos said he would look into this matter as there is an ordinance. 

Chief Koletsos said that the bushes that were obstructing drivers view by Portillos have been removed.

The next Public Safety and Public Works Committee meeting is scheduled for September 5, 2007 at 6:00 pm.       

There being no further business, Alderman Grochowski made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Nessling.  All were in favor.  The motion carried.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:45 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Floistad, City Clerk