Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa Board of Fire and Police Commissioners met Nov. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

Present:

Kenneth Brown Chief Brian Bressner

Tim McTaggart Deputy Fire Chief Mike Mills

Steve Malinsky Commissioner Tom Ganiere

Chief Brent Roalson Sergeant Scott Harden

Captain Mike Cheatham Brianne Petersen

Captain Kyle Booras

Ken Brown called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Public Comment

Sergeant Scott Harden took the promotional exam for Captain and asked the Commissioners for feedback regarding the oral interview and how he could improve for future interviews. The Commissioners gave him feedback and also determined they would review the scores and provide more feedback by email.

Minutes

Moved by Ken Brown second by Tim McTaggart, to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2024, meeting minutes.

All ayes. Motion passed.

Moved by Ken Brown second by Tim McTaggart, to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2024, executive session meeting minutes. All ayes. Motion passed.

Police Hiring

Candidate Rodriquez and candidate Riahi have completed all preemployment testing and completed a ride along. They have also been contacted regarding the start of academy and their swearing in date.

Moved by Steve Malinsky seconded by Tim McTaggart to approve swearing in date of January 5, 2025, for Daniel Rodriquez and Sofian Riahi. All ayes. Motion passed.

Award Preference Points for Police Captain and Corporal Promotional Testing

Moved by Steve Malinsky seconded by Ken Brown to award 2.8 veteran’s preference points to Sergeant Scott Harden. All ayes. Motion passed.

No other requests for preference points were received by the board.

There was discussion that the board’s rules should be updated to give more clarity on active service and how preference points are awarded to a candidate. The board will review the statute then begin the process to update the rules and regulations.

Adopt Police Promotional Eligibility Register

Moved by Steve Malinsky second by Ken Brown, to adopt the promotional Final Eligibility Register for rank of Captain effective November 18, 2024. All ayes. Motion passed.

1. Marc Hoster 94.56

2. Robert Nilles 86.51

3. Scott Harden 84.99

4. James Bell 81.06

Moved by Steve Malinsky second by Ken Brown, to adopt the promotional Final Eligibility Register for rank of Corporal effective November 18, 2024, once amended to remove candidates under 70 points. All ayes. Motion passed.

1. Jonathan Berninger 85.39

2. Osvaldo Landeros-Leon 82.16

3. Daniel Sovero 81.15

4. Stephen Hopkins 79.37

5. Christopher Culjan 78.40

6. Mason Sarti 76.03

7. Joel Smith 75.97

8. Eric Ganiere 72.67

9. Joshua Jabczynski 70.48

Police Lateral Transfers

Deadline for accepting applications was November 11, 2024. It was decided at this time there is no need to accept lateral transfer applications.

Authorize Police Entry Level Testing

Applications will open for entry level testing with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. to submit an application. Remote written exam will be held January 13-15, 2025. Oral interviews are scheduled for January 29th and 30th. February’s meeting will be moved to February 19, 2025, so the final register cannot be adopted without holding a special meeting.

New Business

Tim McTaggart’s term as commissioner has expired and he would like to be reappointed to another term.

Discussion of advertising for entry level positions. A new site called The Thin Blue Line sent an email about their services and joining their membership.

Old Business

None

Correspondence

None

Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Adjournment

Moved by Tim McTaggart, second by Ken Brown, to adjourn at 10:45 a.m. Motion passed.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11-18-2024-fpc-minutes.pdf