City of Highland Park Committee of the Whole met Jan. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
CALL TO ORDER
At 6:01 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:
PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch, Community Development Director Fontane, Police Chief Jogmen, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Kanapareddy, Finance Director Logan, Fire Chief Schrage, Commander Cameron, Police Sergeant O'Neill, Commander Olson, Human Resources Manager Taub, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska
ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on December 13, 2021
Councilmember Stone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole held on December 13, 2021. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
1. Police Department Five Year Strategic Plan Overview
Police Chief Jogmen, Deputy Police Chief Bonaguidi, Commanders Cameron, O'Neill and Olson presented Highlights of the Police Department Strategic Plan that included the process that was undertaken to obtain public feedback, and the programs, plans and initiatives set forth in the 5-year Strategic Plan.
Councilmember Holleman voiced her appreciation for the well thought out presentation. She asked about the Citizen Patrol Program and if it was a concept right now with more information to come in the future or what is the plan with these types of initiatives?
Police Chief Jogmen noted that there are groups that do this type of work nationally. He explained that it was a concept that the Department wanted to make the Council aware of that will be researched fully and brought back before the Council for feedback. He provided more insight as to how the group would operate and function.
Councilmember Tapia voiced his appreciation for the presentation. He noted his appreciation for the close relationship with the NAACP. He asked if the Department has been developing comparable relationships with Latino based organizations that could help access and have that level interaction with the Latino community.
Police Chief Jogmen noted that the Department reached out to the Nuestro Center to work on building those relationships and there are a number of Officers on staff that speak Spanish. He explained that they are working in the community to engage those individuals. He noted that as staff goes through these exercises, they do work to reach out to all diverse groups within the community. He stated that staff is always open to suggestions and introductions
Councilmember Tapia asked if staff was finding it easier or harder to access leaders within the community and if so, he would be happy to assist with brainstorming to facilitate introductions if necessary.
Police Chief Jogmen noted that it is always necessary and staff would be happy to meet with Councilmember Tapia. He explained that they have been in contact with the Legal Aid Clinic who assisted with putting staff in contact with leaders as well.
Councilmember Holleman asked about the recommended increase in security for the building and parking lot and if there was a particular reason as to why it was being recommended.
Commander Cameron provided information on an incident that brought the issue of security to the forefront and explained why the increase in security is being recommended.
Police Chief Jogmen noted that nationally there has been an increase in an ambush style of attacks on officers and the heightened security would assist in eliminating those types of attacks directly outside the Police Station. He stated that there are items that need to be updated and staff will be conducting a thorough review.
Mayor Rotering noted that Commander Olson discussed the right leadership in the right place and Commander Cameron discussed how comprehensive the Strategic Plan is. She stated that she is overwhelmed with what has been achieved, what has been brought together through thoughtful detail and everyone that has been part of this conversation for the past years know how unbelievably far the City has come. She voiced her appreciation for Chief Jogmen and the Senior Team as well as the stakeholders that provided their time, input and candor. She opined on National Night Out and how wonderful the event truly is for the community.
Police Chief Jogmen voiced his appreciation for the support from the Council. He presented information on the Therapy Dog Initiative.
Mayor Rotering noted that the State's Attorney's office has one, if not two of these types of dogs and they have been vital. She stated that it is a fantastic idea.
Police Chief Jogmen thanked the Council for their time and if there are any questions, they can reach out to him and his team. He explained that there may be some future initiatives that will be brought back before the Council for their feedback.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Stone moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
The Committee of the Whole adjourned its meeting at 7:10 PM.
http://highlandparkil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=2623&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up