West Cook News

Village of Palatine Fire and Police Commission met May 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Commissioner Nallen called the meeting to order at 2:58 PM.

ROLL CALL

Present: Commissioners Dan Nallen, Bob Falardeau, Bill Rossi and Geno Nowak.

Also Present: Fire Chief Scott Andersen, Deputy Fire Chiefs Pat Gratzianna and Scott Mackeben, Battalion Chief Lavacchi, Police Chief Dave Daigle, Deputy Police Chiefs Bill Nord and Bryce Baker, Director of Human Resources Pam Jackson.

Absent: Commissioner Jim Hader

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Consider a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the Fire and Police Commission Meetings - Commissioner Nallen motioned to approve the Meeting Minutes and Commissioner Rossi seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

i. Motion to Approve the Minutes of December 5, 2020 - Accepted

ii. Motion to Approve the Minutes of April 7, 2021 - Accepted

III. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Commissioner Falardeau nominated Jim Hader for the position of Secretary. Commissioner Rossi seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Falardeau nominated Dan Nallen for the position of Chairman and Commissioner Nowak seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried with three “ayes” and one abstention (Nallen).

IV. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATUS UPDATE

A. Status Update on Personnel

Chief Andersen gave an update on personnel changes as a result of his upcoming retirement on May 17, 2021.

Deputy Chief Gratzianna will be promoted to Chief on May 18.

Battalion Chief Lavacchi will be promoted to Deputy Chief on May 18.

Captain Matt Buzzard will be promoted to Battalion Chief on May 18.

Lieutenant Chuck Zimmerman will be promoted to Captain on May 19 (changing shifts) FF/Paramedic Burris will be promoted to Lieutenant on May 18.

The Fire Department will have four vacancies, and the Village Manager authorized the filling of one position.

B. Lieutenant’s Promotional Process

Deputy Chief Gratzianna gave a recap of the Lieutenant’s promotional process. A new promotional list went into effect as of April 1, 2021. Gratzianna thanked the Commission for their efforts, as the list is a very good one. It is expected that the list will be used for a number of promotions. The list is in effect through March 31, 2024.

C. Status of Current Firefighter Eligibility List

Deputy Chief Mackeben discussed the list in light of the fact that the department is authorized to hire one firefighter. The list was revisited for availability, and phone calls were made. Of the first 21 candidates on the list, no candidates remain available. D/C Mackeben contacted the next twenty (20) candidates on the list and found five (5) interested, and four (4) are pending a response. He recommended conducting interviews for the next group of available candidates. There is a known retirement at the end of September.

Commissioners discussed conducting interviews the last week of May. A tentative date of May 26 was set for interviews at 5:30 p.m. The department will arrange interviews.

D. Next Firefighter Test/Extension of Current List

Deputy Chief Mackeben discussed the need for a new list, as the current Firefighter list is set to expire in August. After discussion, it was decided to set a date for the next test in October, but to monitor the outcome of the interviews and adjust if needed.

E. As Submitted

Chief Andersen provided a copy of the resignation letter from Captain Scott Meservey.

V. POLICE DEPARTMENT STATUS UPDATE

A. Status on Personnel

Chief Daigle gave on update on personnel. Kathleen Fronzcak resigned on April 30. He shared her resignation letter with the Commission. The Village Manager authorized the hiring of a replacement. They have candidates in the pipeline right now.

Recent new hires Coombes and Porters will complete their field training at the end of May and then will be assigned to the street.

Police Department is expecting four retirements in January. Four slots are secured for the September academy.

B. 2021 Police Officer Testing

Deputy Chief Baker is working with National Testing Service to get ready for the 2021 test. Test materials will be posted soon.The current Police Officer list expires August 18. Physical testing for the next list will take place on August 14 at 8 am. The permits are submitted to Palatine High School (to use facility), but Ost Field can be used if needed. Interviews will be conducted the week of August 16 starting at noon and ending at 8 pm.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

No Report

VII. NEW BUSINESS

No Report

VIII. NEXT MEETING

The next Special Meeting is scheduled for May 26 at 5:30 p.m.

IX. ADJOURNMENT – Time 03:24 PM

Commissioner Dan Nallen motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

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