SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO, June 14, 2023, 7:30 PM
Reagan Community Center
Mayor Bruce Peltier called the Special Meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 7:30 PM.
Commissioners Sherry Coleman, Susan Dean, Ryan DeBrock and Tammy Kendell were present. Village Clerk, Jamie McIntire, recorded the written and audio minutes.
Mayor Peltier led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Peltier thanked all those who were present. He understands that there are a lot of questions and concerns about the current situation with the Tampico Police Department and that’s what this meeting is for. Mayor Peltier explained that he’s going to give as much information as he can as advised by the Village’s lawyer. He said this will not be a bash session on any police officer we’ve had in the past. They served our community, and we appreciate them being here for us.
Mayor Peltier advised that he did not fire the police department and that he is not disbanding our Village police department. The Village will be searching for additional help that hopefully won’t take as long as what people may think. The Village did receive resignation letters from all three of our Village officers and that is the extent of what can be shared for the time being. Mayor Peltier said he has an obligation to the Village to protect them as well. It was decided it was best for our police officers to go their separate ways and we will be looking to fill those positions. Mayor Peltier advised that if anyone has additional concerns, the next Village meeting will take place June 20th at 7:00PM. You’re welcome to be put on the agenda as long as you let Clerk McIntire in the office know that you wish to do so.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendell , second by Commissioner DeBrock at 7:32 PM, to leave the Regular Meeting and go into a Closed Session to discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Employees of the Public Body and Possible Action on Any Item Discussed in Closed Session as Allowed by 5 ILCS 120/1 and the Illinois Open Meetings Act. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Dean, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner DeBrock, second by Commissioner Kendell at 7:46 PM to leave the Closed Session portion of the meeting and return to the Regular Open Meeting. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Dean, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendell, second by Commissioner DeBrock, to approve the resignations of Tampico Police Chief, Michael Lewis, and part-time Tampico Police Officer’s, James Hollaway and Marcus Gaffney, from the Tampico Police Department effective Wednesday, June 14th, 2023. “Yes” votes were Coleman, Dean, DeBrock, Kendell and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.
Village resident, Dave Fox, asked if there is a timeframe in mind of how soon the positions will be filled. The reason he asks is because he is concerned with how quickly County can answer a call. Mayor Peltier advised that we do have someone from the County present and thanked them for their support. Mayor Peltier said he thinks at least one of the positions will be filled relatively quickly with hopefully the others soon after.
Village resident, Bonnie Anderson, said she would like to speak to the concern presented by Fox. She had a situation where she had to call County, late at night, and they were here within 25 minutes. Tampico Police
June 14, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes – Tampico Village Council, cont’d.
didn’t show up until an hour and twenty minutes after the call. Commissioner Kendell advised that County is working with us during this time. They are aware of the situation and have been very cooperative. Mayor Peltier advised that he hopes to have at least one officer hired by the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 PM.
Jamie M. McIntire
Clerk
Bruce Peltier
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 20th DAY OF June, 2023
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**
