City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met Oct. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Committee Chair Alderman Johnnie Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Johnnie Anthony Scott Ferguson Roger Wigginton Brian Whitaker
Carmen Duco
Department Head/Staff: Fire Chief JP Penet Treasurer Sarah Biermann
Excused: Mary Stiehl Shelley Schaefer Police Chief Clay Dennis Weygandt
Guest in attendance: Michael Hagberg
Minutes:
Alderman Wigginton motioned to accept the minutes of the September 13, 2021, meeting second by Alderman Ferguson. All members present voted - AYE. Motion passed.
Public Comments:
None.
Staff Report:
Fire Chief JP Penet:
1. Significant Calls and Events: Chief Penet handed out a monthly report to committee members. Chief Penet explained that most of the calls the Fire Department runs on are Rescue/EMS a rate of 43%. These calls can range from overdoses, not awake-not breathing, heart attacks, etc. The Fire Department is usually the first on scene for these types of calls. They are working with Chestnut Health, EMS, PD and FD Chaplain to provide care and counseling to the Firefighters. Alderwoman Duco asked if patients are charged for Narcan, Chief Penet stated they are not. Chief Penet continued by saying False Alarms are the second in number of calls at a rate of 20%. Chief Penet mentioned that on September 19th Mutual Aid was provided to assist Signal Hill with a house fire in Country Club Place and on September 28th Mutual Aid was provided to assist Swansea with a house fire at Hecker at Lebanon.
2. Stations: There are currently four (4) stations with station three (3) being the oldest built in the 1930’s. Chief Penet is working closely with Dean Hardt to prioritize maintenance and set specific plans for major repairs. The kitchens at two of the stations are in particularly bad shape.
3. Vehicles: Chief Penet is working with Finance Director Jamie Maitret and Purchasing Director Dean Hardt on finalizing bid comparisons for the replacement pumper. The national bid specs are being used. Chief Penet explained that there will be a price increase on November 15, 2021. He will be bringing the bid to the Police and Fire Committee next month for a vote and would like to take it to Finance that evening as well to avoid the increase. The current fleet has most units over 100,000 miles. He would like to get a rotation of purchasing a new unit every three (3) years for the fleet to stay viable.
4. Personnel: Probationary Firefighter Michael Deutsch resigned September 21st. The Commissioners will be considering a new hire on Wednesday, October 20th. Firefighter Reaka returned from deployment in Louisiana for Hurricane Ida support. Mayor Gregory interviewed two (2) candidates for the open position of Deputy Chief of Prevention. There will be a follow up meeting with Mayor Gregory on October 13th.
5. Miscellaneous: On Wednesday, October 13th, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance will be holding a meeting at Station 4 for area Chiefs. Several government officials will also be attending for a legislative forum. Chief Penet feels this is going to be a great benefit to the area departments. East Side Fire Protection District and Northwest Fire Protection District would like to join Belleville Dispatch. Chief Penet stated they will need to get approval through St. Clair County 911.
Alderman Whitaker motioned to go into Executive Session at 6:18 p.m. second by Alderman Ferguson. All members present voted – AYE. Motion passed.
Regular session resumed at 6:27 p.m.
New Business:
None.
Old Business:
None.
Adjournment:
Alderman Whitaker motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 p.m. second by Alderwoman Duco. All members present voted - AYE. Motion passed.
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10112021-2609
Alerts Sign-up