Village of Ladd Police Committee met Dec. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank Cattani at 1:35 pm.
Members of Public Body In Attendance and others: President Frank Cattani, Police Committee Members Jim Manning & Dave Margherio, Village Clerk Rhonda Bezely, and Police Chief Randy Dean. Deb Evelhoch was in attendance as well.
Public Comment: None
Purpose of Meeting: Discuss more police coverage weekly.
Summary of Discussion: President Cattani told everyone that in the month of November we had 143 hours of police coverage. That was all. Cattani stated what is most upsetting to him was that he has been asking for police to stop by 224 N Main Ave and see if he has vacated the furniture, TV, etc. the front of the business since it is not allowed and was given 30 days to accomplish this. Cattani stopped at 224 N Main Ave last Thursday and knocked on the back door. Mr. Alfano let him in and it was noted that nothing had been moved. Cattani explained again why this needed to be removed. Mayor Cattani then asked the police chief about the Library break-ins. Mayor Cattani then told everyone that an officer is on the verge of leaving Ladd due to low wages. Cattani told everyone that Mendota is paying $25.00/hour and Ladd is paying $20.00/hour. Cattani stated he feels we won’t have police protection unless we bump up our wages for police. Cattani would like to see the wages go to $25.00/hour to be competitive. Cattani also stated that Chief Dean would also need an increase. Chief Dean stated he would not expect an increase and would forego any increase if the officer wages were increased to $25.00/hour. It was discussed that Trustees Dave Margherio & Jim Manning along with Mayor Frank Cattani went over to Bureau County Sheriff's office to speak with Sheriff Jim Reed. They feel they must gather all information possible in making the right decision on increasing police wages. They spoke with Reed about providing coverage for Ladd so that Ladd wouldn’t need a police department. Reed told them that for approximately $180,000.00 he could provide them with (2) 40 hour week officers to provide 80 hours of coverage weekly. He stated he would put the same two guys in Ladd. This sounded like a good deal. Chief Dean told everyone he would not give up the Ladd police department. He explained that Ladd would have no say so on Bureau County Officers. Bureau County is having some challenges keeping enough officers to cover their schedule. Manning & Margherio feel that Dean’s opinion and advice are crucial on what’s going to get officers to cover Ladd. Dean told everyone he is doing his best to get the schedule for Ladd filled and feels this proposed wage increase would be helpful. Margherio reminded everyone that he is trying to represent the people of Ladd; therefore, he is not ready to support the wage increase without looking over all aspects. Mayor Cattani, Margherio, and Manning all stated they would love to have Chief Dean full-time. Dean would like to finish his 20-year career at the Sheriff's Department. Dean stated that after he retires he could possibly work more full-time. Dean stated that he plans to start coming up on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday when he’s off to go on duty until the night car comes on in an effort to have police visibility for the residents of Ladd. Many more questions ensued. Dean suggested they consider speaking with Ladd resident, John Thompson, former sheriff regarding what can and can’t be provided by the Sheriff’s department. Mayor Cattani then asked Dean what the hold-up is on destroying evidence at the police department. Dean explained you must have the okay from the State’s Attorney before evidence can be disposed of. Dean explained that Sam Sarosinski has been busy going through 25 years of juvenile files that needed to be brought into compliance. This has taken many hours Dean stated. Dean told Cattani he will advise Sarosinski to pick 5 boxes of evidence and have her contact the State’s Attorney’s office to see if the evidence can be disposed of. This can be continued until it is all gone through. A question arose that if the wages went to $25.00/hour would we still pay $4.00 shift differential to the officers that work Friday, Saturday, or Sunday until ½ hour after the bars close? They felt this should be determined by the council at our next meeting on December 28, 2021. Dean reminded everyone that when an officer works in Ladd they are the ONLY officer on duty. They must be aware of ordinances, take care of bar fights, domestics, etc. In other neighboring towns, they are usually the 2nd or 3rd officer on duty and only provide backup. There is a full-time officer in charge. Again, he feels increasing wages would help with covering the schedule in Ladd. Mayor Cattani stated that he has placed Discuss Wage Increase for Ladd Police Department on the next agenda for Tuesday, December 28, 2021, @ 6:30 pm. We may possibly go into executive session to discuss this; therefore, executive session will be put on the agenda also. It was mentioned again that a police committee meeting needs to be scheduled quarterly. Mayor Cattani stated that he is trying to make sure this happens.
Jim Manning motion – Dave Margherio second to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 2:39 pm
http://www.villageofladd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-12-20-POLICE-COMMITTEE-1.pdf
Alerts Sign-up