East Central Reporter

City of Olney Board of Fire & Police Commissioners met Feb. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The special meeting of the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Julie Hearring in the Council Chambers at the Olney City Hall.

AGENDA #2 “ROLL CALL” The following members were present: Brandt Patterson, Larry Knowlton, and Julie Hearring. Also present were Secretary Kelsie Sterchi and Fire Chief Rusty Holmes.

AGENDA #3 “APPROVE MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2023” Mr. Patterson moved to approve minutes from November 29, 2023, seconded by Mr. Knowlton. A unanimous voice vote was received. The motion carried.

AGENDA #4 “RESOLUTION: AMEND SECTION 3, PARAGRAPH 1, OF BFPC 2023-R-03 REGARDING ELECTRONIC ATTENDANCE” Mrs. Sterchi advised the Board that Public Act 103-311 had amended Section 7(a) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act and now permitted a public body member to attend a meeting electronically due to unexpected childcare obligations. The proposed resolution would amend BFPC 2023-R-03 in order to include this provision.

Mr. Knowlton moved to approve BFPC 2024-R-01, seconded by Mr. Patterson. A unanimous voice vote was received. The motion carried.

AGENDA #5 “CLOSED SESSION: APPOINTMENT OR EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES; AND COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS” Mr. Patterson moved to enter into closed session to discuss the appointment or employment of specific employees; and collective negotiating matters, seconded by Mr. Knowlton. A unanimous voice vote was received. The motion carried and all in attendance entered into closed session at 3:31 p.m.

AGENDA #6 “APPROVE MINUTES OF CLOSED SESSION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2023” Mr. Knowlton moved to return to open session, seconded by Mr. Patterson. A unanimous voice vote was received. The motion carried. Open session resumed at 4:15 p.m. Fire Chief Holmes exited the meeting at 4:04 p.m., while still in closed session.

Mr. Knowlton moved to approve the closed session minutes from November 29, 2023, seconded by Mr. Patterson. A unanimous voice vote was received.

AGENDA #7 “DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION: ELIGIBILITY LISTS – FIRE & POLICE” Mrs. Sterchi reminded the Board that a testing date for entry-level police was scheduled for March 2, 2024. Lateral transfer applicants were also being sought. After the last round of testing, it was hoped to appoint two officers from the updated eligibility list, but only one individual was able to be appointed which still left the Department with one vacancy.

Since that time, a vacancy for a Sergeant position had come available. Chief Bloomer was ready to start the process of promotional Sergeant testing. If the Board was ready to move forward with the process for promotion, that would then leave an additional vacancy for patrol officer. Essentially, the Board would be looking to hire two individuals this year.

The Board indicated that they were ready to move forward with the process of promotional testing.

Mrs. Sterchi then advised the Board that the current eligibility list for Fire would expire in June. The process for creation of a new eligibility list should start soon. The Board had no issue.

Mrs. Sterchi would attempt to schedule both types of testing on the same date.

AGENDA #8 “PUBLIC COMMENTS & PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public was present.

AGENDA #9 “ADJOURN” Mr. Patterson moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Knowlton. A unanimous voice vote was received. The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/BFPC_Minutes_Feb%207,%202024.pdf