Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met  Oct. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 by Chairman Anthony.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures were reviewed.

Minutes:

Alderman Pusa motioned to accept the minutes of the August 14, 2017 meeting second by Alderman Gaa. All members present voted - AYE. Motion passed.

Public Comments:

None.

Staff Report:

Chief Pour:

MABAS 32 reimbursement for Team Leaders and Special Teams Update: Chief Pour explained the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System and the specialized equipment that is available due to the departments involvement. Training is through the University of Illinois. The Fire Department was reimbursed $125,000.00 last year from MABAS that covered training fees, overtime and lodging. Chief Pour stated that Deputy Chief Jacobs is a Team Leader in the MABAS program, but when he is deployed, he is not compensated according to his actual time. Chief Pour requested an ordinance be drafted that would have Deputy Chief Jacobs reimbursed for actual hours. Mayor Eckert questioned if the Police Department should be included in the ordinance with their mutual aid group – Chief Clay stated they operate under different rules. Alderman Randle motioned to have Attorney Hoerner draft the ordinance second by Alderman Wigginton. All members present voted – AYE. Motion passed.

Training update – acquired structures: The Fire Department will use the acquired structures for training – 7009 West Main Street will be used as an active fire training studying fire behavior using different accelerants as well as fire investigation; 8512 West Main Street will be used for training as well. St. Elizabeth’s will be used for forcible entry training as well as sprinkler inspection and training.

Inspection updates: Lindenwood University only has eight (8) more units left to install sprinklers.

Chief Pour continued by pointing out the deplorable conditions of 104 North High Street. The current owner is not fixing any of the violations, there are no working extinguishers or emergency lighting and no working alarm system. The process will begin to condemn the property.

Apparatus report: Chief Pour passed around a photo of the damage to Ladder Truck 1249 that was involved in an accident last month when a driver did not see the truck and struck the rear end. Banner will be making the repairs after the parts are fabricated. Truck should be back at Engine House 4 in early December. During the time the truck is being repaired, a rental truck was acquired from Signal Hill Fire Department.

Chief Clay:

High Visibility Patrol: Chief Clay explained the premise of this new patrol that mirrors criminal patrol. They will use crime data to determine where to assign the patrols. The officers were taken from the Street Crimes Unit that had two (2) officers in an unmarked vehicle and has placed them in a marked vehicle with one (1) officer to increase visibility and patrols. These units will be making many stops, not to ticket, but to make individuals aware that police are in the area and patrolling. Patrol Officers will be collecting data and tracking the higher crime areas. These new patrols will be for criminal control and driven by intel.

Protest: Chief Clay gave a brief update on the protesters and counter protesters that came to Belleville. The original group of protesters were a law-abiding group. There were counter protesters and some back and forth shouting. Chief Clay made the decision to close 159 and the Public Square for public safety to protect protesters and motorists. Police were there but not in plain view. Mayor Eckert applauded the actions of the Police Department. Extra staff was on duty all weekend. The Police and Fire Departments worked side by side to control the situation. The Fire Department drone was deployed three (3) separate times during the protest.

Alderman Gaa asked about the behavior at the Chili Cook Off. Chief Clay stated there were a few minor issues with teenagers, but otherwise the crowd was well behaved.

New Business:

Alderman Schaefer reported that Officer Koch did some training with Belleville School District 118.

She said he did a commendable job and she was very pleased.

Fire Chief Pour informed the committee that the drone was used for a suicidal suspect that had gone into a wooded area.

Adjournment:

Alderman Randle motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m. second by Alderman Schaefer. All members present voted – AYE. Motion passed.

http://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10092017-1544