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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/1995 FC MinutesFINANCE COMAUSSION Minutes of the Meeting May 25, 1995 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman Richard Bachhuber, Commission Members John Engel, Newt Hallman, Jim Morrison, Ann Smilanic, and Frank Wolfinger. Also present were Finance Director David Jepson, Assistant Finance Director Carol Widmer, and Police Chief Ron Pavlock. Finance Commission Members Joe Etchingham and Tom Pekras arrived at 7:10 p.m. and 7:25 p.m. respectively. Commission Member Vince Grochocinski was absent. II Accept Minutes of March 23, 1995 The minutes of March 23, 1995 were accepted as presented. III COPS AHEAD Grant Program Student Resource Officer Program Community Policing Pro ram COPS Ahead Grant Program/Community Policing Police Chief Ron Pavlock thanked the Finance Commission for the opportunity to address the Commission and to explain in depth current Police Department activities and future plans for the department. Chief Pavlock began his presentation by introducing a video on Community Policing. The Chief explained that this video has proven to be an effective means of defining and explaining the concept of Community Policing. After the video, Ron gave a definition of Community Policing. He stated Community Policing is a philosophy of full-service, personalized policing where an officer patrols and works in the same area on a permanent basis, from a decentralized place, working in a proactive partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems. The three-year Federal grant the Village will receive will permit the department to form a two officer unit within the department to focus on community policing and problem solving. Chief Pavlock went on to explain that under the Community Policing Program additional authority is given to the officers in order to give them the flexibility to work closely within the community. The officers will be addressing the specific needs of the assigned area and hopefully will become well known to the residents. The officers will be proactive and work with the community to identify problems rather than wait for problems to occur. All of the police activity will be geared to the unique needs of the community being served. Chief s Pavlock's presentation led to several questions and comments from the members of the Finance Commission. Commission Members wanted to know if other communities were utilizing community policing and Chief Pavlock mentioned that both Rolling Meadows and Mundelein were two that came to mind. Other general questions regarded traffic enforcement, calls to 9-1-1 and a general profile of a gang and gang member. Student Resource Officer Chief Pavlock next reviewed for the members of the Finance Commission the proposed Student Resource Officer Program. Chief Pavlock related that past discussions with officials from schools, park districts, social services, law enforcement agencies and municipal officials have identified the middle school age group as being in critical need of a positive balancing influence from law enforcement professionals to prevent involvement with gangs and drug/alcohol abuse. Chief Pavlock indicated that a school resource officer program would be designed to meet all of the criteria for community policing and also address the specific needs of the junior high or middle school children. The schools indicated that they felt there was a need for a program similar to the High School Counselor Program currently in place in District 214. IV Finance Director's Report Finance Director David Jepson briefly discussed the status of the Village's computer conversion project. The cash receipts, payroll, accounts payable and general ledger/budgeting software are now operational. Employees are becoming familiar with the software and the Finance Department is currently reviewing the systems for any problem areas and bugs that may occur. V Other Business Several members of the Finance Commission expressed a desire for more direction and feedback from the Village Board. As an advisory commission the members understand their role as far as making suggestions and recommendations regarding Village finances but they indicated they would like more direction from the Village Board. Mr. Jepson suggested that an informal get together with the Village Board at a Coffee With Council meeting might be mutually beneficial. Coffee With Council meetings take place on the 2nd Saturday of each month and Mr. Jepson indicated he would try to arrange a joint meeting in either August or September. VI Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for June 29. There will not be a meeting in July. Respectfully submitted Carol L. Widmer, Assistant Finance Director