West Cook News

Village of Western Springs Public Health and Safety Committee met April 6.

Here are the minutes provided by committee:

Members Present:

Scott Lewis, Chair

James Tyrrell, Trustee

Staff Present:

Chief Brian Budds, Chief of Police

Chief Mike Kelly, Chief of Fire & EMS

Deputy Chief Dan Albrecht, Deputy Chief of Police

Deputy Chief Brian Scott, Deputy Chief of Fire & EMS

Susan Depner, Administrative Services Coordinator, Police

Others Present:

Alice Gallagher, Village President

Ellen Baer, Village Manager

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. on April 6, 2022.

2. Roll Call

Present were Scott Lewis, Chair, and James Tyrrell, Trustee. Also present were Chief Mike Kelly, Fire & EMS, Chief Brian Budds, Police, Deputy Chief Albrecht, Police, Deputy Chief Scott, Fire & EMS, Alice Gallagher, Village President, Ellen Baer, Village Manager, and Susan Depner, Police Administrative Services Coordinator.

3. Approval of Minutes – March 10, 2022

Chief Kelly pointed out a typo in the draft minutes of March 10, 2022. The cost to the village for the replacement of the pre-emption devices at the intersection of 55th Street and Wolf Road is $8050, incorrectly reported as $8005 in the draft minutes.

MOTION: Trustee Tyrrell made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2022 meeting as amended. Chair Lewis seconded the motion and the amended minutes were approved by unanimous vote.

4. Public Comment

None.

5. MCAT (Major Case Assistance Team) Mutual Aid Agreement

Chief Budds explained that MCAT is comprised of 14 local jurisdictions. At the recent MCAT annual meeting it was agreed to make changes to the standing agreement. These changes are: Lyons was voted out as a member. Justice has been recommended by the MCAT chair to be added as a member and the MCAT Board has tentatively approved this. Also, language in the standing agreement was amended to clarify insurance and indemnification provisions. Chief Budds referred to these changes as housekeeping in nature. Each of the 14 towns in MCAT are required to bring these changes to their respective committees and board for approval. Chief Budds asked that the committee recommend bringing the amended agreement before the Board for approval.

Several questions were asked about MCAT. Chief Budds explained that our detectives answer MCAT call outs to assist on serious cases, excluding homicide, because homicide has its own task force. He also explained that ILEAS is another group that responds to calls for patrol when an extra presence is needed immediately. We do not get reimbursed for our detectives’ pay when they answer a call out. It was also clarified that Lyons did not request to leave MCAT.

Village President Gallagher was concerned about a sentence in Exhibit A of the MCAT agreement that she felt was unclear. A discussion followed. Chief Budds said Attorney Jurusik could look at that sentence at President Gallagher’s request. He also explained that this draft agreement has circulated among 14 boards because each town has to bring it to their board and stated this may delay the overall process, but he will proceed at the discretion of President Gallagher and the Board of Trustees. Village Manager Baer also suggested the language be looked at and corrected. She suggested it could be corrected as a Scribner’s error without substantive changes. Chief Budds asked if this should be paused or not advanced, and Village Manager Baer said it could be moved forward and that Attorney Jurusik could look at it this right away so it could be kept moving.

MOTION: Chair Lewis made a motion to recommend bringing the revised agreement to the full Board pending corrections to the agreement. Trustee Tyrrell seconded the motion and it was approved by a unanimous vote.

6. National Public Safety Telecommunications Week 4/10 to 4/16

Chief Budds explained that the National Public Safety Telecommunications Week from April 10 to April 16 is to recognize the work of LTACC, who are great partners with us. Chief Budds asks that the proclamation included in the packet be read at the April 11th Board meeting, at which LTACC Director Moldenhauer will be present.

7. LTHS Fireworks Display Request for Graduation

Chief Kelly stated as a point of information for the committee that Lyons Township High School plans to apply for a permit to have a fireworks display at their May 25th graduation ceremony. He explained that the village does not have an ordinance on fireworks, but a permit must be applied for and approved or denied by the Fire Department based upon the Fire Code. The school plans to hire a professional company to do the display. This company must be licensed by the State Fire Marshall and the Fire Department will be on site and have oversight over the display if it is approved. This has not been done in Western Springs before; however Chief Kelly has spoken to Downers Grove to get feedback. Trustee Tyrrell expressed some concern over fireworks due to safety and disruption to residents living near the area where the display would be, but said he defers to Chief Kelly and the Fire Department’s expertise. This does not require Board action, but it should be reported to the Board as an FYI per Village President Gallagher, sharing with the Board that an informal request has been made and we expect a permit to likely be submitted within the next couple weeks.

8. Other Business

Chief Kelly gave an update on the IGA for the 55th Street resurfacing project that was discussed at the March 10, 2022 meeting. Attorney Jurusik amended the language of the agreement to include the red light cameras that have been installed in the village

since the IGA was adopted and sent the amended agreement to IDOT. They responded that the red light camera equipment will not be impacted by the project, so the amended language is not necessary. Attorney Jurusik agreed with IDOT’s response. This is ready now to go before the Board.

Chief Budds shared that the Chat with the Chief held April 5th went well. He thanked Chair Lewis for stopping by.

Chief Budds also stated that for Distracted Driving Awareness Week, the Police Department issued a press release and will be doing a traffic enforcement detail this week.

Chair Lewis asked Chief Kelly for an update on the new fire engine. Chief Kelly said the final inspection is May 9 and the engine is expected to arrive the week of May 16th. Village Manager Baer said there will be a dedication ceremony and that Representative Jim Durkin may attend as he helped secure the grant to purchase the engine.

9. Adjournment

MOTION: Chair Lewis made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Tyrrell seconded the motion. The motion to adjourn was approved by a unanimous vote at 8:37 a.m.

https://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04062022-1353