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5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, iL 60077
847-673-0500
www,skokie,o^
SKOKIE BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS
MiNUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
January 20, 2026
PRESENT:
Board Chair Willard Evans
Vice Chair Helene Levine
Commissioner Nicole Potthast
Commissioner Bruce Rottner
Commissioner Ferdinand Soco
ALSO PRESENT: Debra Stinson, Board Secretary
Nicholas Eschner, Fire Chief
Jesse Barnes, Police Chief
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board Chair Wiiiard Evans.
The December 15, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as
written.
Chair Evans read the opening statement in accord with the Open Meetings Act and
called for public comments. A citizen, David Daika, made the following comments:
He moved to Skokie with his family effective January 20, 2026, he never wants to be
taken to Endeavor Health, the Police Deputy Chief has never done anything he's
asked, the Police Commander position has been vacant for years, one of the
Sergeant's is acting in the Commander role. Mr. Dalka wanted to know why isn't the
Commander position staffed. He stated his mother was handicapped. He also
stated he provided stacks of letters to the Police Department who never sent them to
the Post Office.
The Board reviewed and approved a memorandum submitted by Fire Chief Eschner
announcing the retirement of Firefighter Brian Riordan after having served 20 years
in the Department.
The Board reviewed and approved a memorandum from Chief Barnes announcing
the resignation of Probationary Police Officer Kamil Komar.
The Board reviewed and approved a separate memorandum from Chief Barnes
announcing the retirement of Police Officer Stephany Gonzalez after having
Coit nd! -Manager Government
Fully Accredited Fire, Police and Public Works Departments \ State of Illinois Certified Health Department
Goyemntent Finance Officers Associau'on Budget Award & Certificate, of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

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completed 20 years of service.
Upon acceptance of their resignations the Board thanked them for their service and
extended best wishes to each of them in their future endeavors.
With no further business on the agenda, at 6:21 p.m. Board Chair Willard Evans made
a motion to move into Executive Session, seconded by Vice Chair Helene Levine. The
next regular Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 1 7,2026.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra W. Stinson, Board Secretary
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
Approved: _____
(date)
621012