Yorkville City Mayor's Office Public Safety Committee met Sept. 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
In Attendance:
Chairman Carlo Colosimo Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Alderman Joe Plocher Alderman Seaver Tarulis
Other City Officials in Attendance:
City Administrator Bart Olson
Police Chief Rich Hart
Others in Attendance:
Andrew Graham, Countryside Subdivision
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Colosimo and a quorum was
established.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: April 6, 2017
The minutes were approved as presented on a unanimous voice vote.
New Business:
1. PS 2017-11 Police Reports for March-July 2017
Chief Hart said the reports were normal with no spikes in activity and there was low crime over the summer. However, he said there were more fireworks citations this year. Chairman Colosimo noted a couple accolades for the department also.
2. PS 2017-12 Adjudication Reports for April-August 2017
Mr. Olson said there have been no issues with fines below the minimums in the adjudication process.
3. PS 2017-13 Selection of Committee Liaisons
Alderman Funkhouser will continue as liaison with the school district by general consensus of the committee.
4. PS 2017-14 2017 and 2018 Meeting Dates
By general consensus, the committee approved keeping the quarterly schedule of meetings with additional meetings as needed.
5. PS 2017-15 Ordinance Amending the City Code as it Relates to the Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
Andrew Graham of 110 N. Conover Ct. was present to voice his opinion regarding use of a mobility device. He was glad to see the City's new interpretation of the ADA law since he uses such a device. He and an advocate had previously spoken with Chief Hart who passed ADA information along to City Attorney Orr. Mr. Graham felt the Attorney was mistaken about certain aspects of the law and questioned why it took a year to bring the issues forward for discussion.
Chairman Colosimo read the amendment to the City code which now allows for use of mobility devices within the City. Alderman Funkhouser asked if this allowance would be a case by case basis. Mr. Olson added that the City Attorney said the City do have the right to ask for verification of a disability and that the ADA gives the benefit of the doubt. The Chief confirmed the police can ask for disability paperwork which Mr. Graham had provided.
Alderman Funkhouser had concerns about the 20-mph potential speed of golf carts and asked if a governor could be installed to slow them. He said a ban was upheld in Florida to not allow carts on sidewalks. He also questioned if these devices would allow passengers or just the person in need. Mr. Funkhouser also had concerns about the safety of golf carts on a sidewalk due to width and size to allow for use by both pedestrians and golf carts. He also raised questions about navigation of curbs and lighting for nighttime use. He said if the City has an ordinance allowing these mobility devices, he wants to insure the device and all citizens are safe. Chairman Colosimo said a Justice Department pamphlet addresses golf carts and they can be used for ADA purposes unless there is a legitimate safety reason.
It was decided to move this forward to the September 26 Council consent agenda.
Old Business
None
Additional Business
Chairman Colosimo said even though the City now has many bike paths, bicyclists are still using the streets. Alderman Tarulis asked if bikes could be forced to have a warning device to warn those who are walking, however, Mr. Olson said the City could not enforce this since Yorkville is non-home rule.
There was no further information and the meeting was adjourned at 6:31pm.
http://www.yorkville.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2320
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