Police Commission Meeting Minutes 2016

The April 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners of the Town of St. John was held on April 18, 2016, at 6:30 P.M., as advertised, pursuant to law. Commissioner Hejl called the meeting to order at 6:34 P.M., and then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken with the following members of the Police Commission being present; namely, Rose Hejl, Paul Haluska, Charles Sawyer, and Kevin Vana. Also present were Chief James Kveton, Attorney David Austgen, and Town Councilman Steven Hastings. Absent from this meeting was Commissioner Robert Long.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Commissioner Haluska moved to retain the Commission’s current officers for Year 2016. With a second by Commissioner Vana, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

ANNUAL TOW PROVIDER MEETING

Annual Tow Provider Meeting – The following Tow Firms had representatives present for the Annual Tow Provider Meeting: Stan’s Towing, St. John Towing, Emerald Towing, and Kubiak’s Service. Commissioner Hejl asked the representatives if they had any comments, questions, or concerns that they would like to bring before the Commission. All representatives advised they had no comments, complaints or concerns. Commissioner Hejl thanked the representatives for attending tonight’s Annual Tow Provider Meeting.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MONTH’S MINUTES

December 17, 2015 Special Meeting - Commissioner Haluska moved to approve the minutes, as written, from the December 17, 2015 Special Meeting. With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

CORRESPONDENCE / COMMUNICATIONS

Commissioner Hejl advised she had two (2) items of correspondence to read. The first item was an e-mail received on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, from Mrs. Lynne Nees to Chief Kveton, expressing her family’s appreciation to the Chief and the entire St. John Police Department for making sure the children at Kolling Elementary School, Clark Middle School and the other schools in St. John were protected during the recent bomb threats received on Monday, April 11, 2016. Mrs. Nees stated she has a grandson in the second grade at Kolling Elementary, and they have instilled in him how import the members of the St. John Police Department, as well as all law enforcement officers, are in keeping them safe. She advised her grandson went to school on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, feeling happy, safe and grateful for all the officers.

The second letter was from Mrs. Dolores Horneman, of 9795 Tulip Lane in St. John, regarding a traffic accident that occurred on April 1, 2016 in front of Taco Bell located on Wicker Avenue. Mrs. Horneman addressed the letter to the responding officers of this accident. Mrs. Horneman stated she wanted to take the time to thank the officers that responded to the accident involving her daughter, Raven Horneman, a Lake Central High School student, who rear-ended and side-swiped another car. Mrs. Horneman stated she knows it is easy to get mad at teenagers for being negligent, but the St. John officers did not treat her daughter that way. Mrs. Horneman stated since her family moved to St. John a couple of years ago, they have had to address the St. John Police Department a couple of times, and the Horneman family have always been treated with the utmost respect, and she wanted to thank the officers for that. Mrs. Horneman stated she also wanted the officers to know that she and her family appreciate what the officers do and her family prays for all the officers’ safety.

POLICE DEPARTMENT’S MONTHLY REPORT

Chief Kveton advised the Commissioners they have a copy of the Monthly Report, which contains the general statistics, in their packets. Chief Kveton stated the Department has been very busy over the last month and especially, the last couple of weeks with the incidents at the high school. Chief Kveton stated on Monday night, April 11th, the Department received information through phone calls that started at approximately 5 o’clock in the evening that now, in hind sight, turned out to be false. The initial call was a fire call and after that, an ambulance call was received in the same area of 92nd Avenue. Later in the evening, a threat was received to our local elementary school and our middle school. Simultaneously, the Schererville Police Department was receiving a very similar call, but their call was more specific as it named a couple of specific schools. Detective Corporal Steven Flores and other St. John Officers immediately started investigating, as did Schererville detectives. Working with the Schererville Police Department, a plan was devised in collaboration with the school corporation that was implemented the next morning. Seven (7) schools were closed and a large contingent of police officers (in the numbers of 50 or more) and 19 K-9 officers and explosive detecting K-9 units responded to the St. John Police Department, and they were then deployed to all the schools in the Schererville and St. John area to make sure those schools were safe for our children. In the process of completing that task, the officers were able to gain some information through the phone calls and from school administrators, who thought they might know who the suspect could be. The officers went to the suspect’s house, identified the individual, and brought him back to the station where a positive resolution was achieved. At this point, all the reports, documentation and evidence obtained has been turned over to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, and it is pending their determination for charges. The School Corporation will hold the individual accountable internally, and we will find out some time in the near future how the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office will hold the person accountable in a legal aspect.

OLD BUSINESS

There were no matters of “Old Business.”

HUMAN RESOURCES

Staffing (Increase) / Testing for Creation of Eligibility Lists (Probationary Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant) – Chief Kveton advised since his arrival in January, he has been evaluating the staffing of the Police Department. Based on a lot of different statistics Chief Kveton has researched through the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and through other local police departments and their staffing, and based on the information he has obtained, Chief Kveton advises the St. John Police department is well understaffed. Chief Kveton stated he will have a more detailed report available in the coming months. Chief Kveton stated he would like to request the Commission to consider developing an Eligibility List for hiring. The St. John Police Department does not currently have an Eligibility List for Probationary Officer, nor a list for Corporal or Sergeant. With the most critical item being creating an Eligibility List for Probationary Officer, Chief Kveton requested permission to proceed with the Eligibility List for Probationary Officer now, and then move on to the Corporal and Sergeant’s lists when time permits. Commissioner Vana moved that the Police Commission approve and authorize the initiation of testing for the creation of an Eligibility List for Probationary Officer, as well as Lists for Corporal and Sergeant, with the Probationary Officer List being the first concern. With a second by Commissioner Haluska, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Policies – Commissioner Vana moved to approve St. John Police Department’s General Order No. 5.01 - 5.03, entitled “Privacy and Security of Records, and Records Retention, and Release of Information.” With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

Commissioner Vana moved to approve St. John Police Department’s General Order No. 2.12 – 2.21, entitled “Standards of Conduct.” With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

Commissioner Vana moved to approve St. John Police Department’s General Order No. 4.13, entitled “Employee Awards and Recognition.” With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

Commissioner Vana moved to approve St. John Police Department’s General Order No. 7.01.3, entitled “Sick Leave.” With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

Commissioner Vana moved to approve St. John Police Department’s General Order No. 7.02 – 7.07.1, entitled “Overdose Intervention (Naloxone Use).” With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0).

Valor Award Presentation – With the General Order for Awards and Recognition being passed, Chief Kveton invited all members of the Police Commission, and the public, to attend the next Town Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 2016, as there are three (3) officers who will be presented with Awards of Valor in regards to an incident that occurred in July 2015 on Industrial Drive related to a Homicide.

CHIEF’S COMMENTS

Chief Kveton stated he has already covered all the items he wanted to discuss earlier in tonight’s meeting.

ANY AND ALL

Commissioner Hejl stated she would like to commend the St. John Police Department, the Lake Central School Corporation, and all the other departments and organizations that worked together to insure the safety of our children, school staff and community. She stated the work and dedication of all involved is very much appreciated.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Joseph Hero, of 11723 S. Oak Ridge Drive, stated he had the following comments to make:

1. Regarding the railroad crossing on Patterson Street that has been blocked a lot, sometimes for over an hour at a time, Mr. Hero would like to know the outcome of that situation.

2. Mr. Hero requested Chief Kveton prepare a Monthly Report for the calls into 911 starting when the call goes into 911 at Central Dispatch and they (the caller) ask for police or fire, to the time it takes to dispatch, as well as the response time to the scene. Mr. Hero asked that this report be presented monthly to the Town Council for both Police and Fire. Mr. Hero stated he felt it was important to test the 911 System.

3. Mr. Hero requested an investigation be conducted, covering the last five (5) years, regarding the use of Spillman to determine if there has been inappropriate use of Spillman, where that inappropriate use was, and the information be made a public record.

4. Mr. Hero stated he saw where there was a demonstration at the Police Department where people claimed they had access to information from the Police Department from Spillman. Mr. Hero requests an investigation be conducted by the Department’s internal detectives to determine if that information came from outside police departments, namely South Holland or where ever, and that the findings be reported to the Indiana State Police and the FBI. Further, Mr. Hero asked that all the information uncovered concerning breaches of Spillman over the last five (5) years be provided to the Indiana State Police and the FBI as well.

5. Mr. Hero stated there was no Meeting Notice or Agenda posted for tonight’s meeting outside or on the door of the meeting room. Mr. Hero would like the Commission to follow up on this matter for future meetings. Mr. Hero stated it is his understanding that the meeting notice has to be posted, as well as the agenda, prior to the start of the meeting.

MEETING SCHEDULE

The next Regular Meeting should be held on Monday, May 16, 2016. The Regular Public Meeting will begin at 6:30 P.M. There will be a Work Study Session only if deemed necessary. Any and all Executive Sessions will be advertised pursuant to law.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Sawyer moved for adjournment. With a second by Commissioner Haluska, the motion carried (4-0). The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 P.M.

Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners

______________________________
Charles Sawyer, Secretary

ATTEST:

________________________________
Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Hejl called the May 2016 regular Police Commission meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

(The Pledge of Allegiance was said.)

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Charles Sawyer took roll call with the following Police Commission members present: Rose Hejl, Paul M Haluska, and Kevin Vana. Attorney David Austgen was present. Police Chief James Kveton was present. Robert Long was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 18, 2016

Ms. Hejl stated the first item on the agenda was the approval of previous minutes. Mr. Haluska made a motion to approve the previous minutes. Mr. Vana seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (4/0). Ayes ---four. Nays ---none.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Ms. Hejl stated there were no reports or correspondence.

CHIEF'S MONTHLY REPORT:

Chief Kveton stated that between April 1st and April 30th 2016 the members of the St. John Police Department logged 16,790 miles and responded to 477 law incidents. The investigation of these incidents led to 13 adult arrests with 25 charges being filed and two (2) juvenile arrests with two (2) charges being filed. There were 90 traffic citations issued, along with 68 written warnings, for a total of 158 citations issued during the month of April 2016. There were no vehicle thefts. Other thefts totaled to $17,811.00. Chief Kveton stated that recovery totaled $1,240.00.

OLD BUSINESS:

Ms. Hejl stated that there was no old business.

HUMAN RESOURCES:

There were no reports.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ms. Hejl stated that there was no new business. She asked for any and all comment from the Police Commission. There were no comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Gerald Swets. 9490 Joliet Street:
Mr. Swets stated that he appreciated the opportunity to speak and noted that he would make his comments brief. Mr. Swets acknowledged that at most meetings it is common to address the chair, but he wanted to first compliment Chief Kveton on coming into a difficult situation. Mr. Swets said that he has done a lot for the department, and a lot of changes have been made. He added that Chief Kveton has worked very well with the community, and as a citizen, Mr. Swets appreciates Chief Kveton's efforts. Mr. Swets gave Chief Kveton his words of encouragement and said may God be with him.

Joe Hero. 11723 South Oakridge Drive:
Mr. Hero asked the members of the Police Commission if they have read the information that was filed by the prosecutor about a former policeman.

Ms. Hejl responded, "No." Mr. Haluska responded that they only read what they saw in the paper.

Mr. Hero suggested that the Police Commission get a copy of it as it might give the Commission a handle on what might have been going on. He added that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Mr. Hero stated he would have thought the Commission would have had that information by now because he thinks it profiles what somebody is alleging has been going on in the police department. Mr. Hero stated he was shocked that the Commission hasn't had a change to read the information yet and asked that the Commission read the federal lawsuits that have been filed. Mr. Hero stated that although it will all be settled in court, by reading the allegations, the Commission could get a handle on what has been going on.

Mr. Hero inquired about the potential hiring of two police officers. He stated he is not sure if that true because he did not hear it in a public meeting, which he believes would have been more appropriate. Mr. Hero mentioned Mr. Oszust has been off for two or three years and there has recently been another officer lost to Dyer. Mr. Hero suggested the Commission bring those two officers back to work. He mentioned there have been a lot of break-ins in Town, and the police force is going away. Mr. Hero stated there is another retirement happening and he asked that someone explain to him the conditions of that retirement. He stated that things are not good. Mr. Hero said he thinks the Commission needs to read the documents he previously addressed and figure out where the truth lies, so they could find out who is responsible.

Mr. Hero complimented the Police Commission's decision in the hiring of the Chief. Mr. Hero suggested that the Police Commission let Chief Kveton hire his own attorney because he has come into a very complex situation in regards to the charges, allegations, and affidavits in place.

MEETING SCHEDULE:

Ms. Hejl announced that the next meeting is scheduled for June 20th, 2016. Work Study and Executive meetings are to be announced if necessary.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Hejl asked for a motion for adjournment. " So Moved," from Mr. Haluska. Mr. Vana seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (4/0). Ayes --four. Nays -­-none.

(The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.)

Town of St. John, Lake County Indiana,
Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners

______________________________
Charles Sawyer, Secretary

A TRUE COPY:

________________________________
Alyssa Gallegos, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Hejl called the July 2016 regular Police Commission meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

(The Pledge of Allegiance was said.)

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Charles Sawyer took roll call with the following Police Commission members present: Rose Hejl and Robert Long. Attorney David Austgen was present. Police Chief James Kveton was present. Paul Haluska and Kevin Vana were absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 18, 2016

Ms. Hejl stated the first item on the agenda was the approval of previous minutes. Ms. Hejl asked that the Commission table the approval of minutes until the next meeting. Mr. Long made a motion to table the minutes until the next meeting. Mr. Sawyer seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---Three. Nays ---none.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Ms. Hejl stated that the Police Commission received several letters of support and encouragement for the police department from various organizations, such as Boy Scouts, a basketball team, and the Women's Club. Also, a banner of the K-9 Unit was donated to the police department. Ms. Hejl noted that Chief Kveton mentioned he sent out thank you letters in response to all the letters and donations. Chief Kveton confirmed that he had sent out individual thank you notes.

CHIEF'S MONTHLY REPORT:

Chief Kveton stated that from June 1st to June 30th of 2016 the members of the St. John Police Department logged 15,091 miles and responded to 474 law incidents. The force investigation (unintelligible) led to 10 adult arrests, which led to 16 charges being filed. There were zero (0) juvenile arrests and zero (0) juvenile charges filed. There were 142 traffic citations issued, along with 67 written warnings, for a total of 209 citations being issued during the month of June. Vehicle thefts totaled zero (0). Other thefts totaled to $13,029.00, and $0.00 in recovery at this point.

Chief Kveton noted the police department has been very busy, and that they had an especially busy day last Monday. There was a burglary to a local church, a house fire, and a narcotics investigation. Chief Kveton and several members were on the street and answering calls. He acknowledged the men in his department for doing a great job.

Ms. Hejl thanked the police officers as well.

HUMAN RESOURCES:

There were no reports.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ms. Hejl addressed the emergency hire eligibility list. The emergency hire list has been processed and accepted. Ms. Hejl asked Chief Kveton for any comments.

Chief Kveton said that it was a very good process. He sees some great individuals the department could possibly hire in the next couple of weeks. Once the background checks are done, the department can move forward with the process.

Ms. Hejl asked for any and all comments.

Chief Kveton had one additional comment. He referred to the job description for accreditation, training and community outreach manager located in the meeting packet. Chief Kveton asked the Police Commission to approve the job description, so the department can move forward with the hiring of that individual. He noted that it is a civilian position and not a sworn position. Chief Kveton has been working with Town Manager, Steve Kil. on this process and all that is left is the interviewing and background investigation.

Ms. Hejl stated that she would entertain a motion to approve the job description. Mr. Long made a motion to approve the description as described on June 1, 2016. Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion. Motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

MEETING SCHEDULE:

Ms. Hejl announced that the next meeting would be August 15th, 2016. Work Study and Executive meetings are to be announced if necessary.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Hejl stated she would entertain a motion for adjournment. Mr. Long made a motion. Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes --three. Nays ---none.

(The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.)

Town of St. John, Lake County Indiana,
Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners

______________________________
Charles Sawyer, Secretary

A TRUE COPY:

________________________________
Alyssa Gallegos, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Hejl called the August 2016 regular Police Commission meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

(The Pledge of Allegiance was said.)

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Charles Sawyer took roll call with the following Police Commission members present: Rose Hejl, Paul M Haluska, and Kevin Vana. Police Chief James Kveton was present. Robert Long was absent. Attorney David Austgen was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 16, 2016 and July 18, 2016

Ms. Hejl stated the first item on the agenda was the approval of previous minutes. Mr. Haluska made a motion to approve the previous minutes. Mr. Sawyer seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (4/0). Ayes ---four. Nays ---none.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Ms. Hejl stated that the next item was correspondence. There was none.

CHIEF'S MONTHLY REPORT:

Chief Kveton began by stating that between July 1st and July 31st 2016 the members of the St. John Police Department logged 15,732 miles and responded to 535 law incidents. The investigation of these incidents led to fifteen (15) adult arrests with 34 charges being filed, and zero (0) juvenile arrests with zero (0) charges being filed. There were 89 traffic citations issued, along with 50 written warnings, for a total of 139 citations being issued during the month of July 2016. Vehicle thefts totaled to zero (0) in July. Other thefts were totaled to $1,753.00, with recovery of $100.00. Chief Kveton stated there were fifteen (15) animal problem calls, and fifteen (15) code enforcement calls. Two (2) dogs were returned to owners, and eight (8) citations were written. Five (5) food items were donated from Amazon.com Wish List.

OLD BUSINESS:

Ms. Hejl stated that there was no old business.

HUMAN RESOURCES:

A. Emergency Hire Eligibility List.

Ms. Hejl referred to the emergency hire eligibility list. She said there were no changes.

B. Accreditation/ Training/ Community Outreach Manager

Chief Kveton said they hired two (2) individuals from the emergency hire list. Chief Kveton stated that he would like to invite the Commission and the community to come to the Town Council meeting on the 25th of August as both individuals will be sworn in at that time. They will also be introducing Mr. Roger Pates, who is our Accreditation/ Training/ Community Outreach Manager. Mr. Pates started last Thursday, August 11th. They will also be introducing Jeff DeBoer who, as long as the job description passes this evening, will be our new Chaplin for the St. John Police Department.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Policy for Police Department Chaplin

Ms. Hejl requested a motion on the policy for the new Police Department Chaplin. Mr. Sawyer stated that he makes a motion to approve the Chaplin Program as provided by the Chief-Number 4.16.1. Mr. Haluska seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (4/0). Ayes ---four. Nays ---none.

B. AAA "School's Open Drive Carefully" Campaign

Ms. Hejl referred to the handouts given to the commission regarding AAA "School's Open Drive Carefully" campaign. Chief Kveton said a few months ago, the Police Department was contacted by AAA motor club. They had designed different types of handout materials; yard signs, bookmarks, flyers for mailings which will be put in next month's water bills, and a banner for the front of the Police Station. They also gave us a talking point curriculum for teachers to use in class, so they can talk about it. Today was the first day of school, so we are trying to make sure that students are getting to and from school safely. Those were disseminated to the school corporation. They have been posted around Town, and outside of the Police Station. They were provided free by AAA

CHIEF'S COMMENTS:

Chief Kveton said that we have had a great summer so far. As can be seen from the monthly reports, the officers have been very active. The Police Department is very excited about bringing the new employees on board, and the volunteer of the Police Chaplin. He said they are looking forward to school getting started safely.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

MEETING SCHEDULE:

Ms. Hejl announced that the next regular meeting is scheduled for September 19th, 2016. Work Study and Executive meetings are to be announced if necessary.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Hejl asked for a motion for adjournment. "So Moved," from Mr. Haluska. Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (4/0). Ayes ---four. Nays --none.

(The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.)

Town of St. John, Lake County Indiana,
Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners

______________________________
Charles Sawyer, Secretary

A TRUE COPY:

________________________________
Alyssa Gallegos, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Hejl called the September 19th, 2016 regular Police Commission meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.

(The Pledge of Allegiance was said.)

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Charles Sawyer took roll call with the following Police Commission members present: Paul Haluska and Kevin Vana. Police Chief James Kveton was present. Robert Long and Rose Hejl were absent. Attorney David Austgen was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 16, 2016 and August 15, 2016

Mr. Haluska stated that the first item on the agenda was the approval of minutes from May 16, 2016. He asked for any comments. Mr. Vana made a motion to approve the minutes from May 16, 2016 as provided. Mr. Sawyer seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

Mr. Haluska stated that the next item was the approval of meeting minutes from the August 15, 2016 regular meeting. Mr. Vana made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of August 15, 2016 as provided. Mr. Sawyer seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Haluska stated there were no reports and correspondence.

CHIEF'S MONTHLY REPORT:

Chief Kveton stated he would review a couple of things that happened over the last few days. The VFW organized and ran a fundraiser for the Police Department to help them obtain in-car dash cameras for the squad cars. The fundraiser was held on Friday, three days ago. Chief Kveton said that it was an ove1Whelming turnout and overwhelming support for the Police Department. They had almost three hundred (300) participants at the event. The final donation amount will be made public at the upcoming Council meeting on Thursday, but, to his understanding, there was somewhere in excess of $4,000.00 being donated to the Police Department for the in-car camera project.

Chief Kveton stated this morning business owner, Gus, of Aspen Cafe presented him with a donation to also go towards the in-car camera project for $1,000.00.

Chief Kveton mentioned, on Saturday, two days prior, a local resident had set up and run a pet parade that had about twenty-five (25) participants. The funds from that fundraiser will be donated to the Police Department's K-9, Match, to help support the K- 9 Unit.

Chief Kveton shared an overview of activity for the last month. He stated that between August 1st and August 31, 2016 the members of the St. John Police Department logged 15,205 miles and responded to 570 law incidents. The investigation of these incidents led to nine (9) adult arrests with fourteen (14) charges being filed, and zero (0) juvenile arrests with zero (0) juvenile charges being filed.

Chief Kveton addressed a rumor about an incident that happened at the Aldi's store in St. John a couple weeks ago of an armed robbery there. Chief Kveton stated that rumor was false and what had actually happened was an individual had come into the store to purchase a small item. As the cashier rang up that particular purchase, the cash drawer opened and the individual reached over and took some cash out of the drawer. There were no threats, no weapons, and nobody was hurt. That person then fled into a vehicle northbound on Route 41.

Chief Kveton shared that this Thursday the Police Department will be receiving the donation from the VFW at the Town Council, and will be swearing in a new officer, Jacob Patzschke.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mr. Haluska stated that there was no old business.

HUMAN RESOURCES:

A. Emergency Hire Eligibility List

Mr. Haluska noted that the Police Chief already talked about hiring Mr. Patzschke as the emergency hire.

Mr. Haluska moved onto the creation of a police eligibility list. He asked for any motions to move forward with this. Mr. Sawyer asked if a motion was needed. Chief Kveton told him, yes; there needs to be a motion, a second, and a vote to authorize him to move forward with preparing a process for the Police Commission to consider. They can then implement the schedule.

Mr. Haluska asked for a motion to initiate an initial process to begin hiring new officers; to establish a new eligibility list. Mr. Vana made a motion. Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. New Policy for Overtime/Compensation Time/Personal Days

Mr. Vana stated that he moves to approve the Overtime/Compensation Time/Personal Days Procedure No.7.01.1 dated 9/12/2016. Mr. Sawyer seconded that. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

B. Command and Accountability Procedure No. 1. 11

Mr. Vana made a motion to approve Command and Accountability Procedure No. 1.11 dated 9/12/2016. Mr. Sawyer seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

C. Line of Duty Serious Injury or Death Policy No. 1.13

Mr. Vana stated that he moves to approve the policy titled Line of Duty Serious Injury or Death Department Employee Numbered 1.13 dated 9/12/2016. Mr. Sawyer seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays ---none.

D. Internal Investigations 2.04-2.10

Mr. Sawyer made a motion to approve the Internal Investigation No. 2.04-2.10 dated 9/12/2016. Mr. Vana seconded that motion. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes ---three. Nays --none. Page I 4

CHIEF'S COMMENTS:

Chief Kveton thanked the community and the tremendous outpouring they have had of support over the last couple of weeks. He reflected back to a meeting he had with a couple of Town employees and Police Chiefs from other jurisdictions at the Omelet House in Schererville about two or three weeks ago. He stated that while they were there for lunch, he had gotten up to use the restroom and six different people, from the time he left the table to go to the bathroom and come back, had stopped and thanked him for his service. That, along with the positive outpouring from the scouts and several community members who dropped food items off at the department, and the big turnout both at the Steak Fry on Friday and the Pet Parade on Saturday, along with Gus from Aspen Restaurant. It is a wonderful outpouring from our community and support for our Police Department.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Haluska asked for a motion for adjournment. Mr. Sawyer made a motion. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vana. The motion was carried by voice vote (3/0). Ayes -- -three. Nays --.. none.

(The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.)

Town of St. John, Lake County Indiana,
Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners

______________________________
Charles Sawyer, Secretary

A TRUE COPY:

________________________________
Alyssa Gallegos, Recording Secretary

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

The November 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners of the Town of St. John was held on Monday, November 21, 2016, at 6:30 P.M., as advertised, pursuant to law, and followed an Executive Session of the Commission that started at 5:30 P.M. Commissioner Hejl called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M., and then led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken by Commissioner Sawyer with the following members of the Police Commission being present; namely, Rose Hejl, Paul Haluska, Charles Sawyer, and Kevin Vana. Also present were Chief James Kveton, and Attorney David Austgen. Absent from this meeting was Commissioner Robert Long and Town Councilman Steven Hastings.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MONTH’S MINUTES

May 16, 2016 Regular Meeting – With Corrections - Commissioner Sawyer moved to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2016 Regular Meeting with a correction being made to the spelling of Chief Kveton’s last name. With a second by Commissioner Haluska, the motion carried unanimously (4-0; Ayes – 4 / Nays – None).

July 18, 2016 Regular Meeting – With Corrections - Commissioner Sawyer moved to approve the minutes from the May 16, 2016 Regular Meeting with a correction being made to the spelling of Chief Kveton’s last name. With a second by Commissioner Haluska, the motion carried unanimously (4-0; Ayes – 4 / Nays – None).

September 19, 2016 Regular Meeting - Commissioner Sawyer moved to approve the minutes from the September 19, 2016 Regular Meeting as written. With a second by Commissioner Vana, the motion carried unanimously (4-0; Ayes – 4 / Nays – None).

CORRESPONDENCE / COMMUNICATIONS

Commissioner Hejl advised she had one item of correspondence. Said item was a letter addressed to Chief Kveton from Town residents Jim and Betty Gineris, which stated, “It was so nice to see members of the Police Department at the Strack and Van Til’s last week. Thank you for all you do for us.”

CHIEF’S MONTHLY REPORT

Chief Kveton read the monthly report for October 2016. Chief Kveton stated from October 1, 2016 through October 31, 2016, the members of the St. John Police Department logged 18,158 miles and responded to 568 law incidents. The investigation of these incidents led to 15 adult arrests with 26 charges being filed, and 0 juvenile arrests with 0 charges being filed. There were 143 traffic citations issued, along with 114 written warnings, for a total of 257 citations issued during the month of October 2016 by the officers of the St. John Police Department. Vehicle thefts totaled $0.00. Other thefts totaled $2,906.00. Recovered property totaled $850.00.

OLD BUSINESS

There were no matters of “Old Business.”

HUMAN RESOURCES

Creation of Police Officer Eligibility List – Chief Kveton asked the Commission to table the creation of a Police Officer Eligibility List until the next Police Commission meeting. Commissioner Haluska moved to table the topic “Creation of Police Officer Eligibility List” until the Commission’s next regular meeting. With a second by Commissioner Sawyer, the motion carried unanimously (4-0; Ayes – 4 / Nays – None).

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Policies – Regarding the five (5) policies on the Agenda for approval, Commissioner Haluska moved to table the approval of the policies presented until the policies can be examined and/or approved by the proper authority. With a second by Commissioner Vana, the motion carried unanimously (4-0; Ayes – 4 / Nays – None).

CHIEF’S COMMENTS

Chief Kveton wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and advised that everything at the Police Department is going very well. Commissioner Hejl wished the Chief and his family a Happy Thanksgiving.

ANY AND ALL

There were no matters brought up under “Any and All.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no subjects in the audience who made a public comment.

MEETING SCHEDULE

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017. Work Study Sessions and/or Executive Sessions will be held only if they are deemed necessary. All Executive Sessions will be advertised pursuant to law.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Sawyer moved for adjournment. With a second by Commissioner Haluska, the motion carried (4-0; Ayes – 4 / Nays – None). The meeting adjourned at 6:35 P.M.

Town of St. John, Lake County
Indiana, Board of Metropolitan
Police Commissioners

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Charles Sawyer, Secretary

ATTEST:

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Joan M. Gorcos, Recording Secretary