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Committee hears update on public-drinking enforcement; officials say patrols and cameras eased downtown problems
Summary
Committee members reported recent increases in downtown patrols and cameras that committee members said reduced public-drinking incidents in the short term; members discussed possibly expanding the area where single-serve alcohol is prohibited and said the issue will remain on future agendas.
Committee members told the Kankakee ordinance committee that public-drinking problems downtown have worsened over the summer but that recent stepped-up patrols and camera placements have helped reduce incidents.
What was reported: A committee member said the problem had “progressively ... gotten worse” since the last meeting but that after consultation with the police chief and at least one alderman, conditions had “significantly got better” in the past week because of additional patrols and cameras. The committee also heard about a recent physical altercation downtown; one member said, “I witnessed, a fight. Somebody called me. It was in the middle of, Skyler and Merchant.”
Next steps discussed: Alderman Michael O'Brien told the committee he supported considering an expansion of the geographic area where single-serve alcohol is prohibited, saying it “would not solve the problem entirely, but I think it would be helpful.” He said such a change would be a citywide council decision but recommended the committee consider the idea for future meetings.
Committee coordination: Members said they had a general follow-up meeting with the police chief and deputy chief to continue prior discussions about enforcement, and the committee will continue to include enforcement updates on future agendas. No ordinance change or vote was taken at this meeting.
Ending: The enforcement update remained an ongoing committee item; members asked staff to monitor the situation and consider whether expanded restrictions should be proposed to the full city council.
