Public Safety Commission

SKOKIE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022 PRESENT: Chairperson Paul Pitalis, Deputy Chief Nicholas Eschner, Fire Chief Jeff Hoeflich, Leslie Post-Weissinger, Trustee Alison Pure-Slovin, Director of Engineering Russ Rietveld, Dennis Rizo, Howard Rosenburg, Bryant Smith, Melissa Villegas, Mayha Syed, Marcie Claus, Cornell Collins, Paul Kruszynski, DC Jesse Barnes EXCUSED: Police Chief Brian Baker, Frank Ippolito, Deputy Chief Stephen Jagman, Mitchell Kushner, Director of Public Works Max Slankard, Trustee Edie Sue Sutker, Linda Perlin, Senior Engineer Samantha Maximilian ABSENT: Vice Chair Mark Penning, Daniel Fink, Kenneth Mantel, Edward McCarthy, CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairperson Pitalis called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The minutes of the September 21st meeting were approved. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT Deputy Chief Barnes was in attendance in place of Chief Baker. The Deputy Chief introduced Detective Olkowski who gave a presentation on the Police Department Drone Program. QA discussion followed. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT Chief Jeffrey Hoeflich distributed their monthly operational summary and gave a quick overview of the Fire Department Citizen Fire Academy. The Chief stated the Department recently hired a new Fire Prevention Specialist that will focus on public education, but they will also conduct fire inspections. Finally, the Chief stated the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of three new firefighting apparatuses, which includes a rescue pumper truck and two fire engines, at the Board meeting Tuesday, October 18th. QA discussion followed. ENGINEERING REPORT Russ Rietveld reported on the ongoing construction projects in Skokie. Mr. Rietveld reported construction pricing is up and material availability is down. QA discussion followed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Claus indicated she had, or had heard, concerns about pedestrians crossing Oakton St. with respect to Elizabeth Meyer School located north of Keeney St. between Tripp and Kildare Avenues. Mr. Rietveld indicated Engineering had received some concerns to which they responded, but also provided the concerns to the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways(CCDOTH), who also responded. Furthermore, Mr. Rietveld indicated CCDOTH is currently analyzing this stretch of Oakton St. for possible upgrades that could be implemented in the upcoming resurfacing of Oakton St. Commissioner Post- Weissinger asked if there was anything concerned residents could do with respect to these issues. Mr. Rietveld indicated concerns should be submitted to Engineering and they will be provided to CCDOTH. ADJOURNMENT At 8:15 p.m. a motion was made to adjourn which was seconded and then passed unanimously. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE SKOKIE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M. IN PERSON AT THE SKOKIE POLICE STATION TRAINING ROOM AT 7300 NILES CENTER ROAD PLEASE CALL ENGINEERING DIVISION AT 847-933-8232 IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETING Document Number: 508651 Version: 53 Document Name: Public Safety Commission Minutes, 2017 VOSDOCS-#508651-Public Safety Commission Minutes