City of Colona Council Public Safety Committee met Aug. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Roll Call
Present: Alderman Holman, Alderman Shady-Dahl, Alderman Tapscott, Interim Chief Swemline and Laura LaMantia.
Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
Reports/Communications
Stats for June and July were distributed:
416 Calls for service in June
$900.00 City Ordinance fines
$345.00 Animal pick up and pet tags
$30.00 Misc. Fees
405 Calls for service in July
$325.00 City Ordinance
$105.00 Animal pick up and pet tags
$45.00 Misc. Fees
Old Business
Interim Chief Swemline advised he has hired a part time animal shelter assistant. Chief advised he hired Ericca Pepping he advised he chose the applicant best suited for the needs of the shelter and added she has veterinary and animal boarding experience and was available on the weekends.
Chief advised he has met with Ted Hamer to go over the Administrative tow policy and possible municipal court for ordinance violations. Mr. Hamer is a retired Judge as well a former States Attorney and is currently doing administrative hearings. Mr. Hamer has agreed to hold Administrative tow hearings as well as handle our municipal court if the City chooses to go in that direction. Mr. Hamer advised he can schedule court to the City’s need whether it be once a month or just as needed. Chief expressed the cost savings if the City went with Municipal court due to not sending multiple Officers to appear in court one Officer could handle all of the municipal hearings. Mr. Hamer has agreed to work for $150.00 per hour. The public safety committee is in favor of both Administrative tow hearings and municipal court. Chief has ordered the administrative tow forms and as soon as they arrive he will put the policy into effect.
New Business
Chief advised he would like to meet with the City Attorneys to clarify some issues with city ordinance citations and go over procedures. He will report back to the committee.
Chief advised he has scheduled a “National Take Back” Initiative Day. He advised Colona PD has held these in the past and residents have requested we do it again if it’s offered. The program is sponsored by the DEA and provides Police Departments with receptacles to collect old prescription medications to be safely disposed of. The date has been set for October 28th from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The program mandates one Police Officer be present due to the depositing of medications. Chief advised this could be paid for out of the drug fund.
Chief reported that $130.00 in seizure money has been deposited in the drug account and a check has been mailed to the state to be distributed.
Chief reported he has received a resignation letter from part time officer Dennis Witsman effective August 28th. The public safety committee’s recommendation is to hire another part time officer with the council approval.
Chief advised he has received a donation of an electronic chip reader to the animal shelter from Oakwood Veterinary Clinic it is valued at $400-$600.00. The shelter was in much need of this and Chief wrote a letter to the clinic expressing our gratitude for such a donation.
Chief advised the need to go over and possibly change a few ordinances in the future that have been coming up in question. The committee suggested another meeting with the committee and city attorney to discuss possible changes.
Alderman Shady-Dahl advised the American Red Cross is offering free smoke detectors and installation to Henry County. They are also looking for volunteers to help install. Flyers have been posted and the phone number is 844-319-6560 ext. 9.
Motion to adjourn made by Alderman Tapscott and seconded by Alderman Shady-Dahl. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
http://www.colonail.com/vertical/sites/%7BFC142F78-E9D2-49AE-8B50-7910B5B74E0C%7D/uploads/08.21.17_PS_Minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up