Chicago City Wire

City of Prospect Heights Police & Fire Commission met Jan. 31.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER - At 4:08 PM, Chairman Hoffman called to order the Regular Meeting of the Fire Police Commission at City Hall, 8 N Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070. 

ROLL CALL - Deputy Clerk Schultheis called roll. A quorum was present. 

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT - Chairman Hoffman, Commissioner Fiorito, Commissioner Riebman 

OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT – Police Chief Caponigro, Deputy Clerk Schultheis 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 

A.Approval of the Regular December 27, 2023 Minutes - Commissioner Riebman moved to approve the Regular December 27, 2023 Fire Police Commission Minutes as presented; seconded by Chairman Hoffman. There was unanimous approval. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Hoffman, Riebman, Fiorito 

NAYS - None 

ABSENT - None 

Motion carried 3 - 0 

CLOSED SESSION - None 

NEW BUSINESS 

A.Approval of 2023 Stipends - Chairman Hoffman moved to approve the 2023 stipends as presented; seconded by Commissioner Fiorito. There was unanimous approval. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Riebman, Fiorito, Hoffman 

NAYS - None 

ABSENT - None 

Motion carried 3 - 0 

DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES/CORRESPONDENCE – Chief Caponigro said that the Police Department is at full staff. He said that as soon as Officer Musson comes off of Field Training, the Department will have its third Detective, Bradley Sigsworth. The new Detective Sergeant will be Mark Pufundt. Officer Sigsworth will be the TAC Gang enforcer. He will be certified by the State as a gang expert. 

Officer Garza is still on light duty after getting hit by a car at HOME Bar. She is under concussion protocol. 

There was a Sergeant's Staff meeting today, and a plan was developed for the coming year. Chief Caponigro expressed his gratitude that House Bill 4603 did not go through. It would have enabled traffic violators to avoid ticketing and arrest. The idea of the bill was to allow misdemeanor speeding (that is up to 21 miles per hour over the speed limit). He noted that the numbers would exceed what is typically the threshold for a police officer stopping a vehicle for speeding. 

The bill would also allow cars to travel with broken lights, and broken windshield wipers, as well as no license plates. - The author of the bill, Justin Slaughter, State Representative from the 27th District of Chicago noted that the bill was too broad and withdrew it. 

He said that the Police Department will enforce the rules and regulations that are passed, but there is concern that there is an increased tolerance for scofflaws and law violators. 

The Pretrial Fairness Act - He noted that there is no cash bail and summons can be ignored with no penalty to the violator. 

OLD BUSINESS - Chief Caponigro said that research by the Administrative Director showed that the new testing method would be much less expensive and much more expansive in its search for police candidates. The new testing service had gotten good reviews. The State statute says that the Police must have a candidates list for two years. The current test packets cost $1700 for 150 packets, $400 for Blue Line advertising. The new system will cost $500 per year, and the tests can be taken at home by the candidates. - the unanimous consensus of the Commissioners was that the newer, less expensive, more comprehensive search should be implemented. 

It was noted by Chief Caponigro that the Police Department is still looking for lateral candidates. 

PUBLIC COMMENT - None 

The Next Regular Meeting of the Fire Police Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 4 PM, City Hall, 8 North Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070. - February 28, 2024 Meeting to be cancelled due to lack of a quorum. Special Meeting to be held on February 21, 2024. 

ADJOURNMENT – At 4:27 PM, Commissioner Riebman moved to Adjourn; seconded by Chairman Hoffman. There was unanimous approval. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Fiorito, Hoffman, Riebman

NAYS - None 

ABSENT - None 

Motion carried 3 - 0 

https://www.prospect-heights.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01312024-1397