SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TAMPICO
April 5, 2024
4:30 PM
Reagan Community Center
Mayor Bruce Peltier called the Special Meeting of the Tampico Village Council to order at 4:30 PM.
Commissioners Sherry Coleman, Susan Dean, Jim Coleman and Tammy Kendell were present. Also present was Chief Strike. Village Clerk, Jamie McIntire, recorded the written and audio minutes.
Mayor Peltier led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor, Clerk and Council met and discussed hiring a part-time police officer for the Village of Tampico. The application of Skylar Abell was reviewed. Mayor Peltier asked if anyone had any questions for Abell. Commissioner J. Coleman asked if Abell had any reservations about taking this job and working for a small town. Abell said he knows this town pretty well as he grew up in the area. Mayor Peltier said Abell does have applications in with Rock Falls and any other towns. He asked Abell what his plans were moving forward, and if he’s just looking for part-time hours until he hears back from other positions. Abell said he has a verbal interview with Rock Falls on the 11th and if he passes that, he’d go through the lengthy process of all the background checks and what’s needed to move forward. Mayor Peltier asked if Abell was to get hired on elsewhere, would he still be available to help out here part-time. Abell said if it’s allowed, he would most definitely still work here. Chief Strike said he spoke with the Chief from Rock Falls, and he said it would be at least 2 to 3 months before he could be hired on there. Commissioner Dean asked if Rock Falls would allow Abell to still work here part-time. Chief Strike said I don’t think so. If he gets hired at Morrison, he could continue to work here. Chief Strike said we will have to buy Abell’s uniforms from Prophetstown and they are going to allow us to use his vest as a loan. J. Coleman asked Abell if he lives near here. Abell said he lives in Rock Falls. Chief Strike said he graduated from the academy in December and has gone through his field training. Chief Strike said he and Officer Oostenryk will do some ride a longs with Abell to help him become familiar with the streets. Dean asked if this is his first position after graduating. Abell said he did work in Prophetstown. Chief Strike said I think he got burnt out in Prophetstown. Commissioner Kendell said I’m all for whatever is going to help Chief Strike. The Council agreed. Mayor Peltier asked how many hours is Abell looking to take on. Abell said he’ll take on as many hours as he’s needed.
A motion was made by Commissioner J. Coleman, second by Commissioner Kendell at 4:41 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 S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman, Kendell and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kendell, second by Commissioner J. Coleman at 4:46 PM to leave the Closed Session portion of the meeting and return to the Regular Open Meeting. “Yes” votes were S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman, Kendell and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, second by Commissioner S. Coleman, to approve hiring Skylar Abell as a Part-Time Police Officer for the Village of Tampico at $19.00 an hour for a probationary period, to work a maximum of 30 hours per week between the part-time officers, unless authorized by Chief Strike. “Yes” votes were S. Coleman, Dean, J. Coleman, Kendell and Mayor Peltier. The motion carried.
Skylar Abell stated his official oath and is able to start working for the Village immediately.
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM.
Jamie M. McIntire
Clerk
Bruce Peltier
Mayor
MINUTES APPROVED THIS 16th DAY OF April, 2024
**These minutes are not official until signed, dated and sealed by the Village Clerk**
