HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/30/2003 - Finance and Personnel Committee FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday,June 30,2003
Aldermen Conference Room,6:30 p.m.
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In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd, Alderman Bolger, Alderman
Low and Alderman I'eterson. Also in Attendance: Mayor Althoff, Alderman Condon, Alderman Glab, City
Administrator Maxeiner, Chief of Police O'Meata and City Clerk Jones.
Also attending: Gina Swinney, School Resource Officer, District 15
Jim Heffelfinger, School Board President District 156
Lauren Manusos, School Resource Officer, District 15
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
School Resource Officer
City Administrator Maxeiner informed the Committee that in 1999 the City of McHenry received a
COPS in Schools Grant from the Department of Justice, which provided funding for two officers, one for
District 15 and one for District 156. The Grant covered the cost of the officers, during the school year, for a
period of three years. In addition to the two officers provided by the Grant, a third officer was assigned to
District 156 in order to provide an officer at both East and West Campuses. City Administrator Maxeiner noted
funding for the third officer was provided through an Intergovernmental Agreement in which District 156
picked up 66%, an amount equal to 8 months) of the cost of a fifth year officer's salary and benefits. The City
of McHenry was responsible for the remaining 33%.
City Administrator Maxeiner stated the COPS in Schools Grant will expire in August 2003. A verbal
��greement was entered into with District 156 regarding continuation of the Program, following expiration of the
Grant, utilizing the same funding formula included in the Intergovernmental Agreement. District officials
indicate now that the verbal agreement was made while under the assumption financial resources would be
available to continue the program. Both District 15 and District 156 now indicate financial resources are not
available to continue the Program under the 66/33 arrangement.
City Administrator Maxeiner indicated that, based upon the information received during ongoing
discussions with the school districts, the Police Department budget was formulated for fiscal year 2003/2004
assuming the elimination of the two grant-funded School Resource Officer ("SRO") positions. Therefore,
planned patrol strength for the remainder of the year assumes the incorporation of the two SRO officers into the
regular patrol force.
City Administrator Maxeiner stated both school districts now indicate a desire to see the Program
continued, with funding provided by the City of McHenry. School violence remains a concern and the
Superintendents of both districts have opined the School Resource Officer Program is a vital component of a
safe and secure learning environment. It has been opined losing the benefits of police officers in schools is a
concern to the districts and,to some extent,the Police Department.
Options regarding the program aze:
• Discontinue the two Grant-funded SRO positions and incorporate the personnel into the regular patrol
staff; or
• Continue the two SRO positions with the City playing a lazger role in funding the Program.
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City Administrator M�einer noted, should the Program continue, other factors need to be considered:
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June 30, 2003
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• "The Police Department developed their current budget assuming the incorporation of the two SRO's into
the patrol stai� Continuation of the program would result in an understaffing situation on the patrol
force during the months school was in session. The cost of two new officers, required to offset tiie
understaffing, would amount to approximately $130,000. Should the Program be extended, it is likely
the Police Department would require a budget amendment to a11ow for the addition of two officers to
maintain nece5sary police patrol strength.
• The service area of the school districts includes areas outsid�of the City limits.
o Utilization of City funds to provide school services could potentially be viewed as serving non-
residents.
• Should the Ciry provide additional funding for continuation of the Program, any suggestion by either
district that the City would be charged for use of school facilities for Parks and Recreation Programs
should be halted.
• Should the City fund a portion of the Program, the Police Department should exercise greater controi
over utilization of SRO hours.
Staff recommends the Committee consider continuation of the SRO Program with funding for the
Program determined through a negotiated funding agreement with District 15 and District 156. Additionally,
Staff recommends the Committee consider a budget amendment for two additional patrol officers, at the
approximate cost of$130,000.
Mr. Jim Heffelfinger, representing District 156, stated he strongly supports continuation of the SRO to
�e funded by the Cit�r of McHenry. He opined the benefits gained by the community and the school districts
would offset the expense incurred by the City should the SRO Prograrn be continued.
Chief O'Meara opined the Program has value, but reminded the parties present that officers aze involved
in various issues throughout the City during the day, not just at the schools.
Alderman Glab arrived at 6:42
Responding to an inquiry regarding the use of security paraprofessionals to monitor entrances to the
schools, and the building and grounds, with funds previously allocated for the SRO, Chief O'Meara stated the
services of other than a sworn officer would be the sole responsibility of the school district.
Gina Swinney, representing District 15, stated middle school is a critical juncture in a student's life.
District i 5 recognizes the importance of the SRO Program, but finds itself dealing with the realities of
economics.
Alderman Low stated she supports the SRO Program in the schools. She opined she is comfortable with
a joint venture, but believes the majority of the funding should be borne by the schools.
Alderman Condon opined the schools are facing a financial crisis and stated the City should support the
SRO Program as a priority participating fully.
� Alderman Murgatroyd stated Council is responsible to the residents of the City of McHenry, noting
limited resources.
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June 30, 2003
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Mayor Althofl' opined she supports a cooperative effort to fund the program. She suggested the Off
Track Betting("OTB'�) collections be considered to underwrite a portion of the program.
Alderman Glab opined it would not be fiscally responsible for the City to consider 100% funding of the
SRO program when sc�me of the students are non-residents.
Responding to Alderman Peterson's inquiry, Chief O'Meara stated it takes approximately six months
before a new officer is sufficiently experienced to be on the street alone.
It was the consensus of the Committee that discussions should continue between the City of McHenry
and representatives of District 15 and District 156 to explore partial funding to facilitate continuation of the
SRO Program.
Adiournment
Motion by Low, seconded by Bolger, to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Steven C. Murgatroyd, C 'rm
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