Public Safety Committee > Minutes

MINUTES OF THE

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

HELD ON MAY 9, 2007

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT APPROXIMATELY 6:03 P.M.

PRESENT:                CHAIRMAN PATTI

                                        ALDERMAN RIESTERER

                                        ALDERMAN GROCHOWSKI

ALSO PRESENT:     CHIEF KOLETSOS

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

Unfinished Business; Chairman Patti said she had mentioned the view obstruction at Portillo’s several meetings ago.  She said she had reviewed the ordinance regarding vision clearance on corner lots and it clearly states that there cannot be any obstructions within a certain amount of feet.  The ordinance also states that no planting or other obstruction to the vision of drivers of motor vehicles shall be located at certain points. 

Chairman Patti said that there is still an issue with the post office.  Cars are going out the wrong way.  Chief Koletsos said that he spoke with the postmaster four years ago and he agreed to re-stripe the lot and make the parking diagonal going one way and they have never done this.   We did not have a written agreement with them.  Chief Koletsos said he would send a letter to the postmaster and perhaps have the Mayor talk to them about this issue.

Alderman Grochowski brought attention to the tree branches on Armitage and Prater.  These branches are obstructing driver’s views.  He feels that there should be a height limit on stacking up branches and we should put this in the Northlake Newspaper.  Chairman Patti will get this issue on the agenda for the next council meeting.

Chairman Patti brought up the collection boxes.  Alderman Grochowski said that we were going to make them get a permit and also have a fine for them if things are left outside.  Chairman Patti said she will get this added to the agenda for the next council meeting so that an ordinance can be created.       

Under New Business; Chairman Patti talked about the unlicensed vehicles at Grand Avenue apartments.  She explained that she has received a telephone call from one of her constituents complaining there is some vehicles in the back of this building that do have license plates on them.  It was discussed at the last council meeting and we will have our code enforcer go out and check this out.  Chief Koletsos said that one of the neighbors constantly complains about this building.  This has been going on for years.  Chairman Patti stated that from the pictures she has, there are hardly any cars at all.  Chief Koletsos said that the Police Department is at this apartment building a lot and they tag vehicles and do code enforcement. 

Alderman Grochowski said that Alderman Feldmann had concerns on the speeding cars and motorcycles on Country Club.  Chief Koletsos said that from 2004 to 2006 the number of vehicles  went down.    This was addressed at a previous council meeting.  Chief Koletsos said that they will place the speed trailer in the area again.                            

Under Old Business; Chairman Patti brought up the subject of gang activity.  Chief Koletsos said there are two officers doing gang enforcement.   We are participating in the Leyden Gang Task Force.  He said that a lot of gang recruiting is done at the bridge by King Arthur.  Chief Koletsos feels that we have a good data base.  Chairman Patti asked how the gang activity at Alejandra’s is going.  Chief Koletsos said things seem to be fine there since we went over there.  The Police Department is checking them constantly. 

Chairman Patti brought up the infrared surveillance cameras/ red light cameras.   Chief Koletsos said the city attorneys have the contracts for the red light cameras.  Traffic studies have been done and after the attorneys look at the contract we will present it back for signatures.  After the contract is signed it will be 3 months minimum of when we meet the IDOT requirements for each location.  Our application will list all of our intersections. The biggest offender locations are the intersection at Lake St. and Railroad, Railroad and North Avenue, Roy and North and Fullerton and Wolf. 

Chief Koletsos said that we have three surveillance cameras approved.  We are a little unhappy with the company and we are trying to decide if we want to go back with them or go with another company.  He said he has not been able to get another company to come in to give us a proposal to take over the system.  A discussion regarding the lighting and placement of the cameras took place. 

Chairman Patti brought up the parade permits.  Chief Koletsos said he spoke with the Mayor regarding this and he suggested that the council talk about the permits at a council meeting. 

Chairman Patti said she spoke to Alderman Grochowski and they are thinking of moving the Public Safety meeting to the first Wednesday of the month versus the second Wednesday.  This way it will not interfere with the Youth Commission. Also, the time will be changed to 6:00.  This will start in August.

Alderman Patti asked for a nomination for Vice Chairman for the Public Safety Committee.  Alderman Grochowski made a motion to nominate Alderman Riesterer; seconded by Chairman Patti.  All were in favor.  The motion carried.

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

MEETING ADJOURNED APPROXIMATELY 7:03 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Floistad

City Clerk