Chambana Sun

Champaign City Council met Thursday, Oct. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Alicia Beck Angie Brix

Tom Bruno, Clarissa Fourman, Matthew Gladney, William Kyles, Vanna Pianfetti, Mayor Feinen

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Greg Stock

STAFF PRESENT: Dorothy Ann David, City Manager; Fred Stavins, City Attorney; Anthony Cobb, Police Chief; Joseph Gallo, Deputy Police Chief of Operations; Troy Daniels, Deputy Police Chief, Operations Support; Dave Shaffer, Lt., Investigations Commander

OTHERS PRESENT: None

TIME STARTED: 7:32 p.m.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

POLICE RESPONSE TO PROPERTY CRIME [SS 2017-033]

City Manager David noted since 2015 there has been an increase in residential burglaries. Council approved a one-time allocation of additional funds to provide support to the Police Department in developing strategies to respond to increased burglaries. Police Department staff will discuss planned use of the $300,000; and plans to promote safety.

Staff Presentation: Police Chief Cobb briefly provided an overview of the discussion topics including the following:

• History of Reported Burglaries (including January 1 – August 31 Comparison)

• Current and Added Efforts to Combat Property Crime

• Staffing Challenges

• One-time Funding

• Evaluation of Efforts

Deputy Chief Gallo’s presentation included the following topics:

• Current Reduction Efforts

• Added Reduction Efforts

• Police Patrol Impacts and Challenges

• Proposed Police Over Hires

Lt. Shaffer’s presentation included the following topics:

• Property Crime Challenges

• Pilot Property Crimes Unit

Deputy Chief Daniels’ presentation included the following topics:

• Timeline

• Evaluation

• $300,000 Funding Budget

(Note: Information on how to obtain staff’s written report on this subject is provided below.)

Action Recommended: The Administration seeks Council and public input on the Police Department’s proposed response to property crime.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: Council Members raised the following technical questions in relation to the police response to increased property crime including adding additional detectives; arrest breakdown of juveniles and adults; preventing repeat offenders; including quantitative measures in addition to evaluation and qualitative measures; resident input as to their safety; ability of Council Members to relay information back to residents; number of burglaries, and number of vehicle break-ins versus unlocked cars; and plans to incorporate School Resource Officers (SRO’s) into this effort.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Public Input: The following member of the audience spoke regarding various burglary incidents; burglaries creating a feeling of being threatened or violated; sharing information regarding your neighborhood; support of additional funding for police; providing public information regarding car locking; and addressing old and new crimes:

David Kuehn, 1805 Savana

John O’Donnell, 4104 Crail Rd.

Rochelle Funderburg, 2622 Natalie

Shelly Hennigen, 1918 Crescent

Council General Discussion: Council Members comments included the following topics: support of the property crime unit; concern with how juveniles are handled and put into the system; involving the School Resource Office (SRO) in the process; whether additional officers are needed to address burglaries, gun violence, and other issues specifically; more social media post regarding public safety issues; thanks to Police staff and all their efforts, and the proposed being a good plan of action; thanks to the public for coming forward and speaking out; need for proactive solutions regarding policing, and the continued need for community involvement as human capital investments; great opportunity to take a measured look at the way resources are utilized; promotes an opportunity to review the types of crimes occurring, why, and how citizens can utilize the information to assist in their protection and safety; use of the Youth Assessment Center (YAC) to the best means possible; Council’s ability to assist with disseminating information to the community; thanks for presentation and efforts underway to address increased crime issues; taking steps to address increased crime and metrics to evaluate steps being taken; importance of getting to know your neighborhood and neighbors, and thanks to staff for working in neighborhoods; use of experienced officers increasing the ability to get officers on the street sooner; and the importance of contacting the police when incidents occur, sharing positive things affecting the community, and that we live in a great community.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Poll: Mayor Feinen indicated no Council poll was necessary as the presentation was for information about the Police Department’s current response and future action plans to combat property crime, with an emphasis on residential burglary and burglary to motor vehicles.

Audience Participation: None

Council Member Comments:

CM Beck addressed an issue in today’s national news regarding President Trump’s intention to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); history of Champaign welcoming many from across the world and being diverse; and keeping our community one of opportunity, equality, and the civil right to remain in ones’ childhood home. She noted welcoming week begins September 15 - 24, 2017, sponsored by the University YMCA, at the New American Welcome Center. Programs and events are geared to promote intercultural understanding, appreciation, and inclusiveness in our community

Mayor Feinen noted during Welcome Week, there is a Haitian delegation that will be present. The delegation will be attending the awards ceremony at the YMCA on Saturday, September 16, 2017; and may have dinner with Council, Tuesday, prior to the Council meeting.

Adjournment: Council Members previously moved to adjourn following conclusion of the Post-Council study session.

The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

http://documents.ci.champaign.il.us/v/0BxXlsxmGBHseZURwR09GQko1dXM