Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Fire and Police Commissioners met Sept. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

A meeting of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (BOFPC) of the Village of La Grange was held on September 20, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

PRESENT (and constituting a quorum): Chairperson Hoffenberg, Commissioner Levato, Commissioner Boersma

ABSENT: none

ALSO PRESENT: Tim Griffin, Police Chief; Steve Norvilas, Fire Chief; Charity Jones, Deputy Village Manager/CD Director

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 6, 2023

The minutes of the July 6, 2023 meeting were presented for approval. After consideration, it was moved by Commissioner Boersma and seconded by Chairperson Levato that the minutes from the July 6, 2023 meeting be approved. Motion carried; minutes approved.

3. BUSINESS AT HAND

A. Approval – Initial Eligibility Register – Police Officer

Police Chief Griffin presented the initial eligibility register, based on the results of the 10 candidates that sat for the virtual written examination during the week of September 6, 2023. Chief Griffin explained that, as the next step in the process, IO Solutions will facilitate the process of submitting preference points before the BOFPC establishes the final eligibility register, consistent with BOFPC rules.

It was moved by Commissioner Boersma and seconded by Commissioner Levato that the Initial Eligibility Register be approved. Motion carried.

4. OLD BUSINESS

None.

5. NEW BUSINESS

A. Discussion of BOFPC Processes – Police Department Communications

Chief Griffin summarized the Village’s current process of providing detailed hiring memos to the BOFPC in advance of meetings as compared to the practice in other communities, in which topics such as hiring recommendations are primarily addressed verbally during the meeting and written correspondence is condensed. Chief Griffin also noted that the memos are often repeating information that was already produced by outside vendors in the course of background investigations, psychological analyses, etc.

Chief Griffin asked the commissioners if they would be open to changing their practice, as doing so would reduce administrative burden for Police Department staff and minimize individual candidate information that is included in a public agenda packet. Chairperson Hoffenberg said she is very supportive of anything that reduces administrative burden for the chiefs. She noted that the police department is operating with less administrative support and anything that allows the chief to focus on critical priorities is welcome. Commissioners Boersma and Levato concurred and stated they want to support the staff however possible. Discussion ensued about how the change may impact the overall length of meetings and minute taking needs.

B. Discussion of Proposed Changes to Lateral Police Officer Hiring Process – Command Staff Interview

Chief Griffin outlined his proposal to employ a command staff interview to screen lateral candidates before presenting a final eligibility register to the BOFPC, in order to improve candidate screening and reduce demand on the BOFPC’s time. Commissioner Levato stated that he supports the recommendation and anything else we can do to structure the process in a way to make La Grange competitive. Chairperson Hoffenberg concurred, and questioned if we should evaluate the timing of when the polygraph and background checks are conducted to further streamline the process. Commissioner Boersma agreed and reiterated how important it is to remain competitive, particularly for lateral candidates. Chief Griffin noted that we will continue to assess various aspects of our process as we move through the process, and he may present a future update to the BOFPC rules for the Commission’s consideration.

6. PUBIC COMMENT

None.

7. CLOSED SESSION

Chairperson Hoffenberg asked for a motion to recess to Closed Session. Commissioner Boersma made a motion to recess to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the appointment or employment of specific candidates who applied for the lateral police officer openings. Commissioner Levato seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, the BOFPC entered Closed Session.

At the conclusion of the Closed Session Commissioner Boersma made a motion to return to open session, Commissioner Levato seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Having no further business before the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, Commissioner Boersma made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Levato seconded. Motion carried; meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

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