Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa Board of Fire and Police Commissioners met March 12

Here are the minutes provided by the commissioners:

Present:

Kenneth Brown Fire Chief Brian Bressner

Tim McTaggart Deputy Fire Chief Michael Mills

Steve Malinsky Alaina Iverson

Chief Mike Cheatham Commissioner Thomas Ganiere

Captain Kyle Booras Corporal Matt Najdonovich

Captain Marc Hoster

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

Public Comment

None

Minutes

Moved by Tim McTaggart second by Steve Malinsky, to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2025, meeting as written. All ayes. Motion passed.

Police Hiring- Entry Level Update and Promotion Request

Comm. Ganiere submitted a letter to promote candidates to Sergeant and Corporal which will open a vacancy.

Matt Najdonovich will be promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. Jonathon Berninger will then be promoted to Corporal on nightshift patrol.

Motion to promote Corporal Najdonovich to Sergeant moved by Steve Malinsky, second by Ken Brown

Motion to promote Jonathon Berninger to Corporal moved by Ken Brown and second by Steve Malinsky

Due to the above promotions there is one opening for police patrolman – Motion to hire the next eligible candidate to make a conditional offer to the next candidate Alex Mata moved by Steve Malinsky second by Tim McTaggart.

New Business

Bressner- Tyler Ward resigned due to probationary requirements for paramedics test. April meeting will need to request for another hire.

Old Business

37 applications turned in this far for Fire Dept– opened until April 7

Confirmed May 7 for Fire Testing

Correspondence

Received psychological evaluation from Standard for Derek Hobbs

Adjournment

Moved by Steve Malinski, second by Tim McTaggart, to adjourn at 10:15a.m. Motion passed.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/Government/Boards_Commissions/Fire_Pol-Comm/2025_Minutes/FPC-minutes-3-12-2025.pdf