The meeting was called to order at 11:01 a.m. In attendance were Chairman George Beasley, Commissioner Richard Ubl, Commissioner Samantha Dailey, Police Chief Don Thomas, Fire Chief Bill Riddle, and Attorney Peter Smith.

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Commissioner Ubl and seconded by Commissioner Dailey.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

A motion to approve the minutes from the open session of the February 26, 2004, meeting, subject to noted corrections, was made by Commissioner Ubl and seconded by Commissioner Dailey.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

A motion to approve the minutes from the closed session of the February 26, 2004, meeting, as written, was made by Commissioner Ubl and seconded by Commissioner Dailey.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

Chairman Beasley asked the other Commissioners if that had received the information regarding the Conference to be held in Champaign on April 23-25, 2004. Commissioner Ubl said that they had received it that morning. He asked if either of the Chiefs would be attending the conference. Neither of them had plans to attend.

• Letter from City Manager Nicklas concerning the hiring of three new firefighters

Chairman Beasley read a letter from City Manager Nicklas, in which he advised the Commissioners that on March 17, 2004 he received approval from the City Council to proceed with hiring three new firefighters once the new budget year begins on May 1, 2004. City Manager Nicklas requested that the Commissioners initiate the hiring process for the next three candidates on the eligibility list, so that they will be ready to begin their employment with the Fire Department as soon as possible once the new fiscal year begins.

 

A motion to approve May 10, 2004, August 9, 2004, November 8, 2004, and January 24, 2004 as the dates for the regular meeting of the Fire and Police Commission was made by Commissioner Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Ubl.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

Commissioner Ubl asked if the dates needed to be published. Recording Secretary Tritle verified that they did. She said that each meeting would convene at 11:00 a.m. in the Training Room of the Public Safety Building, if the room is available.

• Police Chief

Chief Thomas stated that he sent the Commission a letter notifying them that Officer Patrick Lozeau had successfully completed his probationary period on March 17, 2004. He said that Officer Lozeau is doing a very good job and recommended that the Commissioners recognize Officer Lozeau’s change in status to that of a non-probationary police officer. Commissioner Ubl asked that Recording Secretary Tritle send Officer Lozeau a congratulatory letter.

• Fire Chief

Chief Riddle reported that the current entry-level firefighter’s eligibility list expires on August 12, 2004. He said that he would ask the Commissioners at their May 10^th meeting to begin the testing process at that time so that a new list can be established and posted by August 13, 2004. Chairman Beasley asked about the list that was currently in place. Chief Riddle said that he wants to make sure that the new list is in place on August 13^th in case they are not able to hire three firefighters from the current list. Commissioner Ubl asked Chief Riddle if he had any recommendations concerning the current list, and wondered if he thought the Commissioners should begin calling the candidates on that list to make sure that they are still interested in the job. Chief Riddle said that, by law, we did need to do this; we cannot ignore any of the candidates on the current list. He said that it is important to find out about the availability of the current candidates and, since some of them could fall off of the list after undergoing the psychological or physical exams, it is equally important to set the test date to establish the new eligibility list at the May 10^th meeting. He said that there is a good chance that there would be a need to hire a fourth new firefighter, as there may be a retirement within the department. Chairman Beasley asked if the current candidates should be contacted by mail. He suggested that a letter be sent to the top three candidates. Recording Secretary Tritle said that, in the past, a letter has been sent to all of the remaining candidates on a list to determine if they are still interested. Chairman Beasley asked how many candidates were remaining. Recording Secretary Tritle stated that there are nine. Chief Riddle said that on of the candidates might have become ineligible due to age. The candidate was age thirty-five at the time the test was administered, but has since turned thirty-six. Commissioner Ubl said that the Rules and Regulations would need to be checked in order to determine if the candidate should be disqualified. He suggested that a letter be sent to all nine candidates stating that a position may come open in the near future and they have ten days to respond as to whether or not they are still interested in working for the Sycamore Fire Department. Chief Riddle said that doing that would save the Commissioners some time later on. Chairman Beasley said that they should first find out whether or not the person who turned thirty-six still qualifies. Commissioner Ubl thought that this was something that the City Attorney should look into. He suggested that the letters should be sent registered mail, with a return receipt requested. They should be instructed to respond by either telephone or letter.

Chief Riddle was also happy to report that Firefighter Reynolds had improved considerably. Once the vacuum pump is removed from his leg, he will be able to put weight on it and, in turn, begin moiré intensive physical therapy. He said that Firefighter Reynolds remains in good spirits and is very optimistic about returning to work. Commissioner Ubl asked about the status of Firefighter Belanger, the other firefighter who was injured in the St. John’s fire. Chief Riddle reported that he had returned to work on March 1^st.

• Request from Firefighter Shaun Penn to take the Promotional Examination for Lieutenant

Commissioner Ubl said that, since this is a personnel matter, he thought it should be discussed in closed session. Attorney Peter Smith explained that, while the Commissioners always have the option to discuss matters in open or closed session, it is appropriate to go to closed session to discuss personnel matters. However, the Commissioners can only take action with regard to anything on the matter in open session. The Commissioners should go to closed session to discuss the matter and return to open session to take action on the matter. Chairman Beasley stated that he thought it would be proper to discuss the matter in closed session.

CLOSED SESSION

A motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel issues was made by Commissioner Ubl and seconded by Commissioner Dailey.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

Closed Session began at 11:15 a.m.

Motion

A motion to return to open session was made by Commissioner Ubl and was seconded by Commissioner Dailey.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

Open session reconvened at 11:40 a.m.

A motion to allow Firefighter Penn to take the promotional examination for Lieutenant and that the test be administered in the same process as was given to the other candidates who previously took the test was made by Commissioner Ubl and was seconded by Commissioner Dailey.

Commissioner Ubl said that the Commissioners had discussed Firefighter Penn’s service record in closed session, along with the fact that he was called to duty before he could take the test.

Chairman Beasley asked if there was any further discussion or any comments from the audience. There was none.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

Chairman Beasley said that arrangements should be made for Firefighter Penn to take the test as soon as possible.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 0

Abstain: 0

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

Minutes accepted by:

 

____________________________________________

George Beasley, Chairman Date

Attest:

 

____________________________________________

Jean Tritle, Recording Secretary Date