Mayor’s civility pledge at Council meeting doesn’t quell anger about retired police officer’s DUI accident and police action after the accident
Mayor Misty Buscher introduces a civility pledge and honors retiring Memorial CEO Ed Curtis with a proclamation for his retirement. Several variance requests were approved for a new restaurant. Route History Inc. requested a zoning change for a museum on Jackson Street. But the focus of the meeting was on police accountability for the car-motorcycle collision in which a recently retired policeman was charged with drunken driving. The couple on the motorcycle were critically injured. Four Springfield police officers were disciplined following the crash. 24mins
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In This Video
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With protestors holding signs and filling the council chamber, Mayor Buscher introduces a civility pledge, emphasizing respectful and attentive dialogue among members. The tone then shifts to a ceremonial segment as the mayor delivers an extensive proclamation honoring Edgar J Curtis, outlining the long career in healthcare and officially designating Edgar J Curtis Day.
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Docket #2025 DASH 005 is introduced, involving a complex request for reclassification and variance for multiple parcels (properties on 427 S 12th St. and various addresses on Jackson St.). The detailed discussion covers proposed changes for museum use, accessory parking, and other variances with specific zoning and regulatory references. Alderman Gregory makes a motion to accept the staff recommendation, supported by Mayor Buscher, followed by a roll call vote that confirms the motion passes.
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The next agenda item, docket #22,025 DASH 006, is presented regarding a zoning variance request for the property at 3267 Ginger Creek Drive. The petitioner, TADA Catering, LLC, seeks conditional permitted use for a restaurant/banquet hall concept with specifications on liquor sales and drive‐up window restrictions. After detailed description and staff recommendation for approval, a motion is made, seconded, and subsequently passed by the Council.
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Mayor Buscher introduces docket #2025 DASH 007 for the property at 2401 W Wabash Ave, where the petitioners (Hotville Springfield Inc. doing business as Dave's Hot Chicken) request a variance to allow illuminated and building‐mounted signage above the standard size limitations. The discussion details specific sign area modifications and conditions (such as operating hours for the east facade sign), followed by a motion debate and vote that results in passage.
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New business is introduced by Alderwoman Notariano, who directs questions to Police Chief Kenneth Scarlette regarding recently released footage and reports about a September crash involving a retired police officer's car and a motorcycle. Scarlette reveals that the police officer who has been charged driving while intoxicated had a blood-alcohol level more than double the legal limit, Notariano seeks clarification on the disciplinary actions taken against involved officers and the blood-alcohol testing procedures. Chief Scarlette explains the disciplinary measures and procedural choices (including obtaining a warrant for a blood draw), with follow‑up comments from Notariano and Alderman Gregory emphasizing leadership and accountability.
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Public comment by Patty Meyer regarding local utility service issues following recent infrastructure work. The speaker details her sister’s water meter problem—resulting in a steep increase in water usage billing after curb and sidewalk improvements—and stresses that a senior citizen on fixed income should not have to bear such costs. She calls on the council to provide a solution and accountability concerning the work done and the ensuing complications.
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Lobbyist Josh Witkowski, representing Abate of Illinois, the Illinois State Motorcyclist Rights organization, begins a detailed public comment. He recounts various incidents involving police interactions with motorcyclists, including the collision with retired Springfield police officer Michael Egan, who has been charged with driving while drunk. He raises concerns about accountability and double standards.
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Continuing his remarks, Josh Witkowski proposes concrete reforms. They call for stricter substance testing in the upcoming police contract, mandatory continuous body camera usage, and expanded mental health support for officers, all aimed at improving accountability and public safety. Hear more of his recommendations.
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Chelsey Farley, who was critically injured in an accident involving a retired Springfield Police officer, was in the audience. But it was her sister, Caitlin Weiss, who recounts the accident. Farley's boyfriend, Trevor Hopkins, who was driving the motorcycle, also was injured. Weiss gave a passionate critique of police accountability, She questions the systemic favoring of law enforcement over ordinary citizens and demands transparency and answers from city officials. There were cheers from the audience.
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Alderwoman Jennifer Notariano describes a way to begin police reforms. She suggests on a data‐driven approach—a program modeled on the University of Chicago’s Officer Support System—to track citizen complaints and intervene before misconduct escalates, thereby addressing systemic issues in police oversight.
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Tiara Standage, executive director and founder of Intricate minds, delivers a detailed testimony describing her arrest during the protest at the accident involving a retired Springfield police officer in September. She addresses harm reduction and police accountability. She strongly while criticizes police practices and demands accountability from leadership.
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