Rolling Meadows swears in new police chief, extends city manager's contract

Rolling Meadows officials welcomed new leadership and reaffirmed the old during Tuesday's city council meeting.

New Police Chief John Nowacki was sworn in on Tuesday night in front of the city council, his family and members of the Rolling Meadows Police Department. The council also approved a contract extension and raise for City Manager Barry Krumstok.

Nowacki started in the position on Monday and was previous deputy chief at the Elk Grove Department. A contingent of officers from Elk Grove was at the meeting on Tuesday to congratulate Nowacki.

"It's not just how thoroughly impressed we were with his qualifications, but also his demeanor," said Mayor Tom Rooney. "We think the city of Rolling Meadows will be just as impressed with John Nowacki as we are."

Nowacki replaced David Scanlan, who retired in March after more than 30 years with the department.

The new chief is a Prospect High School alumnus. He had been a member of the Elk Grove Police Department since 1987 before becoming deputy chief in 2011. He has a master's degree from Western Illinois University, a bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University and an associate degree from Harper College in Palatine. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

Krumstok, who has been city manager since 2011, received a contract extension through 2019 on Tuesday night with a 6-1 vote. Alderman Brad Judd was the only member to vote against the contract.

Krumstok's salary will increase from $139,500 to $154,000, a 10.8 percent raise. Krumstok does not receive the annual cost-of-living adjustments other city employees receive. He will also get longevity pay and 15 personal days instead of 12. His contract mandates he take two consecutive weeks of vacation during each calendar year

"The city council recognizes that the manager position requires long hours and stress," the contract reads.