HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/4/2014 - Police Commission
Police Commission Meeting of 06/04/2014
Chairman Rick Huber called the meeting to order AT 4:02 PM. Also present was Commissioner Mike
Roberts and Joan Lunsmann.
Minutes of the 5/7/14 meeting were reviewed. Motion to accept by Comm. Huber, seconded by
Comm.Roberts. Accepted.
Comm. Roberts spoke about the recent interviews for the SRO position, as he was part of the interview
team. Speaking as both a school district representative and a police commissioner, he advised the
quality of the candidates was remarkable, especially the top 2 candidates. Comm. Roberts expressed
some surprise that Chief Jones would give up the expertise and quality of the officer chosen on the
street, but speaks to the importance the department attaches to the SRO position. Comm. Roberts said
he was speaking in generalities because it is unknown if the chosen candidate has accepted the position
at this time. Comm Roberts also advised that Commander Laura King is preparing a grant application
for the COPS grant that provides 75% of the officer’s salary and benefits for 3 years. The program is
required to continue for a fourth year.
Dep. Chief John Birk joined the meeting for a short time and further discussed the SRO candidates and
interviews. He advised that Officer Rick Rewiako has accepted the position and the other candidates
were notified. DC Birk & Comm. Roberts discussed a tentative start date of early August to allow the
officer to get comfortable in the schools and with the security in place in each campus. If the COPS
grant becomes reality, the department may be ready to place a second SRO in the high school. Comm.
Roberts advised that would be beneficial, as the times indicate an armed officer in every school in the
country at some point. Grant money will only increase with the need. Financially, the schools will
benefit if the COPS grant is awarded, receiving 2 officers almost for the price of one.
Comm. Ramon Gregorio joined the meeting at 4:17 pm.
DC Birk advised Ofc. Zach Piekarski is doing well in the academy, scheduled to graduate on
6/26/2014.
DC Birk also advised of the recent tabletop scenario training, hosted by the McHenry Fire Dept and
attended by McHenry Fire, McHenry Police, and principals and administrators from the school
districts. The Chief and Dep. Chief have received positive comments from many attendees. Comm.
Roberts advised it was a good exercise and showed issues that needed to be addressed by the schools.
Dep. Chief Birk left the meeting at 4:20pm.
Comm. Huber asked if there was any new business. Comm. Roberts advised the COPS grant already
discussed was the new business he was aware of. Comm. Huber asked if there were any outstanding
bills, of which there were none.
Comm. Gregorio moved to adjourn the meeting. Comm Roberts seconded. All ayes. Meeting
adjourned at 4:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted by,
_______________________________
Joan Lunsmann, Administrative Assistant