City of Peru Fire and Police Committee met Aug. 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Buffo, Edgcomb and Tieman present; Mayor Kolowski present.
OTHER PERSONS PRESENT: City Clerk Dave Bartley, Alderman Waldorf, Alderman Lukosus, Alderman Payton, Alderman Ballard, Police Chief Bob Pyszka, PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King, Director of Human Resources Kim Reese, Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning, IT Director Stephen Rounds, Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events and Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert
PUBLIC COMMENT
MINUTES
Alderman Buffo made a motion to approve the Police and Fire Committee Minutes of July 18, 2022. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion; motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Police Chief Bob Pyszka reported on proposed digital ticket writing system. Chief Pyszka stated the system will have a driver’s license reader that will scan into system making the process safer and faster. Chief Pyszka stated information will be directly shared with the circuit clerk’s office. Chief Pyszka stated he would like to purchase 10 units for a total cost of $1,300 per month. Chief Pyszka stated the circuit clerk will seed the program with $12,000. Chief Pyszka stated the program will also be used for ADJ and compliance tickets.
NEW BUSINESS
Police Chief Bob Pyszka informed the committee of the retirement of Detective Commander Dennis Hocking on October 7th. Alderman Buffo thanked Det. Commander Hocking on his career.
Chief Pyszka reported the 2 lateral appointment applicants did not pass screening.
Chief Pyszka stated he will not propose a promotion to Commander to fill the vacancy from Hocking’s retirement.
Chief Pyszka reported on new testing and slots reserved for the police academy.
Chief Pyszka initiated a discussion to increase parking fines and snow route violation fines. Chief Pyszka stated current ticket fines for parking and snow route violations are some of the lowest in the area. Chief Pyszka stated increasing the ticket may provide further incentive for people to adhere to the regulations. Chief Pyszka reported current fines are $10 for a standard parking violation and $25 for a snow route violation. Chief Pyszka proposed increasing the parking fine to $20 and the snow route fine to $50.
Aldermen Buffo and Edgcomb stated they would support an increase to the snow route ordinance and noted it’s a problem when cars are in violation of the snow route because it causes issues for snow removal. Chief Pyszka also said it will help the public works department by hopefully motivating people to follow the regulation. Committee recommended doubling the fines.
Chief Pyszka informed the committee that beginning September 1st, they will using Square to process credit cards for tickets and violations.
Mayor Kolowski asked the chief to report on meeting with Peru Public Schools regarding safety. Chief Pyszka reported the following:
• Connected to the video system
• Daily walk-throughs
Chief Pyszka reported traffic safety protocols are in place.
Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported he has a meeting with IDOT on August 17th regarding the safe routes to school sidewalk grant (Shooting Park Road from Parkside School to Sycamore Lakes subdivision).
Mayor Kolowski reported enrollment at Peru schools has increased by approximately 50.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CLOSED SESSION
Alderman Tieman made a motion to reopen the meeting. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Edgcomb, Tieman and Mayor Kolowski present; Alderman Buffo absent.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Tieman made a motion to adjourn. Mayor Kolowski seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/forms-and-documents/minutes/police-and-fire-committee-minutes/2022-fp/5812-police-and-fire-committee-minutes-08-15-22/file
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