City of Macomb City Council Committee of the Whole Met July 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
The Committee of the Whole, of the Macomb City Council, met in the City Council Chambers at 5:15 p.m. located in City Hall at 232 East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL.
Mayor Inman called the meeting to order.
Roll call was taken and the following were present: Aldermen Mike Wayland, John Vigezzi, Don Wynn, Tom Koch, Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards (via Zoom) and Dennis Moon were all present. Alderman Ashley Katz and City Attorney Lisa Scalf were absent.
In addition to the Mayor, Deputy Clerk Renee Lotz and Aldermen, others present were: City Administrator Scott Coker, and Police Chief Jerel Jones.
Public Comment: None
The first item on the agenda for discussion was on the lateral incentive program for the City of Macomb Police Department. Chief Jerel Jones presented the following proposal to incentivize a lateral transfer recruitment model. There would be signing bonus of $5,000.00 (paid out bi-weekly) and accrued time for 2-7 years of experience, 10 vacation, 10 holiday and 3 personal days upon completion of 12 months. For 8 years or more experience they would receive 15 vacation, 10 holiday and 3 personal days upon completion of 12 months. Signing bonus is designed to increase marketability and remain competitive with other police agencies that are offering higher signing bonuses.
He explained the lateral program would be a substantial improvement to the Macomb Police Department’s recruitment model in order to attract experienced officers and establish a robust hiring incentive designed to attract quality candidates.
It should be noted, the cost to send inexperienced new hires to the Police Training Institute is approximately $6,020.00. Utilizing the lateral program, the hiring bonus poses a cost savings measure to the City and the Department.
Alderman Moon stated when we send new hires to the academy they are also being paid, that would be some cost savings as well.
Alderman Brown-Edwards asked for the time-line on a new hire from academy to being released to patrol on their own; versus a lateral hire being on their own.
Chief Jones explained for a new hire academy is a 14-week process, in addition to 14 weeks of field training and two-weeks shadow phase which is the last component of the field training. For a lateral there would be no 14 weeks at academy but go right into field training which can be condensed because of experience.
Alderman Vigezzi stated many departments are offering hiring bonuses and are requiring a waiting period of 90 to 120 days, had Chief Jones considered something like that.
Chief Jones stated that he had not, but rather were focused on stretching it out over the course of the 12 months of employment which also includes the vacation and holiday time, having to go through those 12 months first.
The second item on the agenda for discussion was on the executive session minutes to remain closed. Mayor Inman stated Aldermen were welcome to view the minutes in the Clerk’s office. There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for final action Monday night.
Upon a motion being duly made by Alderman Vigezzi, seconded by Alderman Wynn to adjourn the meeting, on question being put, Alderman Wayland, Vigezzi, Wynn, Koch, Brown-Edwards and Moon being all Aldermen voting “Aye” on roll call and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned the meeting at 5:24 p.m.
https://cityofmacomb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/07-26-2021.pdf
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