Kankakee Times

City of Watseka City Council met April 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Marcier called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Present were Alderman Brault, Muench, Dewitt, Petersen, Miller, and Alderwoman Rohlfs. Alderman Garfield was absent. Alderman Pence after he was sworn in.

Public Comment-Mayor Marcier shared how public comment goes, they will get 2-3 minutes to address the council, the council cannot respond, if you have an issue, please call city hall or talk to your alder person to be put on the agenda. Jenny DeLahr stated she is a long time resident of Watseka and a former council member, she shared she is opposed to this amendment for Deputy Chief regarding the hiring within the department, she understands the decision for the Police Chief is done and will not be reversed, she feels amending this ordinance threatens to under mind the department, shake moral, she then named a few officers who have been with the department that holds tremendous depth, they have chosen to make Watseka their home, they are available to the public, they have time to serve, they are neighbors, a trusted service they keep Watseka safe. Dedication & loyalty don’t count, removing the ability for internal advancement this town has a hard time finding applicants, this would mean a lack of career advancement, it would take away growth retention, officers would be more likely to stay if there were possible promotions Chief Starky chose his deputy Chief, but the council should consider from within. All of you have been elected to serve, integrity is key in keeping the city’s future in mind opposing this change. Scott Anderson stated he opposes anything to do with this ordinance, we have strong police force our officers are fully capable of doing this. To strip them of this opportunity is like a kick in the teeth you are telling them they are not good enough, Nick & Yamei I ask you, have you talked to the department or members of your ward about this? This council is following a lead one person’s agenda this should be tabled until the Public Safety meeting to openly discuss this, he also mentioned that when Mayor Marcier was an alderman, he stated that a deputy Chief was not needed we don’t need to spend the money. Table this leave it as it is this should be a no vote leave it as it is. Mike Marcier stated that the city has not had a Deputy Chief in 4 or 5 years. Since 2019 when he served as an alderman how many have, we had, he doesn’t get why it matters if it is from the outside or within, it should be open to anybody. Jenny DeLahr spoke up and said Mike was not stating accurate information that Josh King was the Deputy Chief, Josh King then stated Dick Corke, Donnie King were all past Deputy Chiefs. Mike then said his mistake.

Appoint Terry Pence to Alderman (3rd) Ward for an unexpired two-year term to fill the vacancy created by the election of Benny Marcier as Mayor. Mayor Marcier swore Alderman Pence in, and he took his seat.

Ordinance #2746-Amending Title 6. Public Safety, Chapter 1, Police department, Section 6-1-5, Departmental Positions, deputy Chief of Police, Corporal, of the Watseka City Code. Mayor Marcier asked if there was any discussion Alderman Brault shared, he has talked to some people and officers in his ward and that this cannot pass he is strongly against this, they must have something to look forward too, Alderwoman Rohlfs said she seconded that, Alderman Petersen asked for the council to explain why we are where we are at today. Mayor Marcier read the current ordinance stated the Ordinance #2639 was amended on March 22, 2022, Josh King was promoted, and the amendment was made to create the position. Alderman Petersen asked again why we are here today, Mayor Marcier shared the ordinance read that it must be a Full time Sargent or above from the department Alderman Petersen mentioned that Chief Starkey had someone in mind, and it did not fall within this ordinance, and that that was no longer correct, then do we still have to discuss it or leave it as it is why do we need to change it at this point Mayor Marcier shared the only change that would be made is to open the position to any officer period, not necessarily from within the department. Alderman Petersen suggested this be reworded to encourage from within if no candidates or applicants then we go outside to look not redo the ordinance, Alderman Miller asked do we need a Deputy Chief. Mayor Marcier stated it is up to Chief Starkey it does not have to be filled. Alderman Muench handed out a sheet of the State Statue and he read from page 6. Alderman Dewiit asked if Lafoon was not doing this now and the mayor said yes, Alderman Dewitt said thanks for letting him know his phone works. The council then agreed to table this so they can sit down and discuss the wording of this. Motion made by Pence, seconded by Miller. Motion passed 6-1 with Alderman Brault voting no.

Appointment of Deputy police Chief-Vincent Laffoon 43.27/hour effective 5/5/2025. Mayor Marcier stated this will be removed from the agenda.

Alderwoman Rohlfs read a speech she prepared for the council, Alderman Muench thanked the police department for showing up tonight and welcome Alderman Pence & Welcome Chief Starkey.

A Motion was made by Petersen, seconded by Rohlfs to adjourn at 6:52pm. Motion passed 7-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/4076