Commissioner Dodaro brought to the Commission’s attention the fact that two (2) St. John police officers have entered into the DROP Program, and they have indicated they may retire at the end of 2010. Chief Frego advised the two (2) officers will have the option of retiring December 31, 2010, but they also have the option not to retire at that time. Commissioner Dodaro stated the Commission will need to consider making some changes in the next couple of years. Some discussion ensued.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego commented that a new report has been added to the Chief’s Monthly Report which advises the number of 511 citations issued by officer for the month as well as their year-to-date total, and the number of Infraction Deferral Agreements entered into for the current month as well as the year-to-date total. Chief Frego explained that the Infraction Deferral Program replaced the St. John Driver Education Program, which had been deemed illegal, and this program is much better as there are no personnel involved in it.
Chief Frego stated he was advised by Congressman Pete Visclosky’s office that the papers have been signed for the $450,000 that will be coming to the Tri-Town Area (Dyer, Schererville and St. John). Those monies will be divided three (3) ways, and they are to be used towards Communications.
Commissioner Long stated he would like to discuss at a later meeting something that the Police Commission could do for the community, possibly after the summer months have passed. Commissioner Long stated he was not sure what could be done, but he would like something in addition to the National Night Out and the Open House, possibly something for people who are in need, or something for elderly people or sick children. Commissioner Long stated he would like it to be something where the Commissioners give their time and something back to the community.
Chief Frego stated the Department will be hosting a second National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Also, in early 2010, the Department hopes to be involved in hosting a Police Academy for citizens. Chief Frego stated there would be a general overview of the law, ride-a-longs for four (4) hours, K-9 demonstrations, discussion of police activity in the community, etc.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Hejl made a motion to approve the disciplinary action recommended by Chief Fred Frego regarding Captain Bernard Johnsen as written. With a second by Commissioner Farris, the motion carried unanimously (3-0). Chief Frego thanked the Commission for their time and consideration in this matter.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
With a second by Commissioner Long, the motion carried unanimously (4-0). In response to Chief Frego’s question, Commissioner Hejl made a motion to retain the services of the same testing company as was used during the last application process, that being the Standard Testing Company from Chicago, IL. With a second by Commissioner Long, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).
Chief Frego advised that Corporal James Turturillo will be attending the Annual Indiana D.A.R.E. Officers State Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 6 & 7, 2009. This conference is mandatory and through his attendance, Corporal Turturillo will become certified in the upgrades that have been made to the program.
Chief Frego asked for the Commission’s approval to attend the Chiefs of Police Association’s Annual Fall Conference to be held in Indianapolis, IN in the Fall. Chief Frego stated this is a good conference, and it lasts only a day and a half. The Commission advised Chief Frego he could attend this conference.
Mr. Matt Shirley, of 10024 Hedwig, stated that since Hedwig Drive was opened up to Bull Run Drive, he has a real hard time backing out of his driveway due to a blind spot in that area and the speeding vehicles now going down Hedwig Drive. He stated some of the vehicles driving through that area are going over 50 miles per hour. Mr. Shirley suggested that a stop sign or a speed bump be installed at this location to slow the traffic down. Chief Frego advised the Commission that he has spoken with Mr. Shirley and his neighbors regarding the speeding vehicles on Hedwig Drive now that it has been opened. Chief Frego stated the Department has had traffic enforcement at that location, and the speed sign was located out there for a while. Chief Frego stated he just received a report today from the traffic counter that was located out there for a couple of days, which gave the Department the ability to monitor the traffic flow in that location. Chief Frego stated the computer printout is a very interesting report, which provides dates, times, number of vehicles, vehicle speed from 0-75 mph, etc. In reviewing this report, it does reflect there is a problem on Hedwig Drive. Chief Frego stated he does not know if a stop sign will stop this problem. He felt it is more of an enforcement problem, and the officers have been writing tickets at this location. Chief Frego stated they now have a better idea of the times and direction of travel that seems to be the problem. It appears there are more vehicles speeding northbound between 4 P.M. and 5:30 P.M., and that is when the St. John Police Department will be targeting their enforcement. The report reflected that 92% of the vehicles were obeying the speed limit, but 8% were not, and they are the ones causing the problem. More discussion ensued. Mrs. Huzar, who was also present, stated they cannot get out of their driveway because they cannot see at all. Chief Frego invited Mrs. Huzar and Mr. Shirley to make an appointment with him, and he would share the information provided by the traffic study that was performed. More discussion ensued. Chief Frego advised the residents that the Department would be helping them out with this problem with both enforcement and possibly a stop sign, at a location yet to be determined.
Mr. Bugariu stated his subdivision is having the same problem with speeding vehicles on W. 90th Avenue going westbound to Knickerbocker. Mr. Bugariu continued by commenting that (Commander) Fryzel is one of the biggest offenders. Commissioner Dodaro advised Mr. Bugariu there is litigation between him (Bugariu) and the Town involving Commander Fryzel, and this line of comments could not continue. Attorney Kuiper advised Mr. Bugariu that he (Bugariu) has already picked his forum by choosing the torte claim notice, and by filing litigation. Further, Attorney Kuiper stated to Mr. Bugariu’s that his first comments (regarding speeding vehicles on W. 90th Avenue) were appropriate. However, the rest of his comments fall under the issues that has pending litigation.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Chief Frego stated he learned about two (2) weeks ago, the only towns in the area to receive funds from the Stimulus Grant were East Chicago, Gary and Merrillville. Chief Frego stated it would have taken eight billion dollars to fill all the requests. Of the requests received, only 14% were granted; 86% were not, and St. John fell into the 86% category.
Chief Frego advised there have been some injuries to the Department’s officers. Reserve Officer Jeff Gembala broke his ankle, and Officer Mike Moffitt has a broken wrist. Officer Moffitt is expected to be off work for 6-8 weeks. Corporal Dave Demeter was just released for duty from his injury. Some discussion ensued.
Chief Frego confirmed that the Orientation for the police officer applicants will be on September 19, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. in the Public Safety Facility’s Training Room. The Physical Agility test will be conducted on September 26, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. (at a location to be determined). The Written Exam will be held on October 3, 2009 (at a location to be determined). After some discussion, the Commission decided to call an Executive Session, for the purpose of reviewing the police officer applications, on Friday, September 4, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. in the Public Safety Facility.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Kolodziej, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Hejl read a second letter from St. John residents Amy and Jim Monihan. Said letter thanked the Police Department for the phone call they received during the night advising that they had left their garage door open. The Monihan’s stated they truly appreciated the call and this fantastic service. They stated that although making a phone call seems like a small task, it has a very large benefit – family security. The Monihan’s wished to thank the Department for their time and effort and for the wonderful job that the Department does. In response to Commissioner Dodaro’s question, Chief Frego advised that the officers who responded in these incidents have been identified.
Commissioner Dodaro advised the Commission was in receipt of correspondence from Chief Frego to the Clerk Treasurer advising of Departmental Restructuring. Said memorandum stated effective at 0001 hours on Saturday, December 19, 2009, Michael Fryzel will relinquish the rank of Commander and will return to his previous rank of Sergeant, and to adjust his pay accordingly. In response to Commissioner Dodaro’s question, Chief Frego advised that the position of Commander was being eliminated at this time.
Commissioner Dodaro advised that the President of the Schererville Town Council, Perry Ferrini, passed away Sunday evening, December 13, 2009. Commissioner Dodaro stated he has known Mr. Ferrini for a very long time, and he was an absolutely wonderful human being and a great family man. Mr. Ferrini’s wake will be on Friday, December 18, 2009, from 2-9 PM, but it was not known for sure as to which funeral home will be handling the arrangements. Burial will be on Saturday. At this time, all the arrangements have not been finalized. Chief Frego stated he has been in contact with the Schererville Police Department regarding this matter, and he has advised them the St. John Police Department will be available to them for Mr. Ferrini’s funeral.
Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners
______________________________
Rose Hejl, Secretary
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary