Huntley Police Commission approves joint written test, hears staffing shortfalls

The Village of Huntley Police Commission voted March 14, 2025, to move forward with a joint written test for new police recruits administered through a McHenry County College consortium and heard staff reports about recent resignations and an incoming lateral transfer. The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. at the Municipal Complex in Room C107 and adjourned at 9:34 a.m.

Chief of Police Linda Hooten told commissioners that Officer Adam Danowski has resigned because he and his family are moving out of state and that the department expects to be "down four officers" after another anticipated resignation in the coming weeks. Hooten said the department’s lateral eligibility list is nearly exhausted. She reported that Officer Michael Silvestri will start with the Village on Monday, March 24, as a lateral transfer and that the Village has reserved two police academy spots for September 2025.

Director of Human Resources and Organizational Compliance Chrissy Hoover described a recruitment plan that retains the lateral list while establishing a separate new-recruit list. Hoover said McHenry County College will run a consortium-based written exam in mid-to-late April, contracting COPS & FIRE Personnel Testing Service to administer the test and to manage applications; participating communities named in the discussion include Cary, Marengo and Woodstock, with one other municipality expected to join. The consortium will run twice annually, in the spring and fall, and MCC will handle fee breakdowns and initial application processing; the Village will proceed with interviews, backgrounds and subsequent hiring steps.

Commissioner Dan Maloney moved to authorize the new-recruit written test administered by COPS & FIRE through the McHenry County College consortium; Chairman Jim Burgess seconded. A voice vote noted all ayes and the motion carried. The commission also approved the January 10, 2025 General Session minutes (motion by Commissioner Judy Serrano, seconded by Commissioner Dan Maloney) and approved the January 10, 2025 Executive Session minutes for content only (motion by Commissioner Dan Maloney, seconded by Commissioner Judy Serrano); both motions passed by voice vote.

Hoover reminded commissioners that the Statement of Economic Interests is due May 1, 2025. With no unfinished business, Chairman Burgess moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 a.m.; Commissioner Judy Serrano seconded, and the voice vote was all ayes.