City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met Nov. 8.
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 Deputy Fire Chief Lance Phelps
Interim Asst. Fire Chief Rick Wangelin
Maintenance Director Dean Hardt
Excused:
Mary Stiehl Shelley Schaefer
Police Chief Clay Dennis Weygandt
Minutes:
Alderman Wigginton motioned to accept the minutes of the October 11, 2021, meeting second by Alderman Whitaker. All members present voted - AYE. Motion passed.
Alderman Whitaker motioned to accept the minutes of the October 11, 2021, Executive Session 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. He explained when the Fire Department is dispatched out for a service call, and there is not a working smoke detector present in the home, one is installed free of charge. If the call is for carbon monoxide, and there is not a working monitor in the home, the Captain will talk with the resident and assess if the resident will be able to replace the unit or if circumstances exist where it is necessary for the Fire Department to install one free of charge. Currently, the Fire Department receives free smoke detectors from Fire Safety Alliance and the American Red Cross, however, carbon monoxide detectors are not provided to the Department. This is a budgeted item. Chief Penet wanted the committee’s input on implementing a fee for this service. He will reach out to Ameren to see if a grant exists. After a brief discussion, Chief Penet will report back to the committee next month on protocol from other municipalities.
Traffic Alert Warning Device: Chief Penet stated the new Fire Department vehicles were not equipped with the traffic signal changing devices nor a few older vehicles. This equipment cost around $2,000 per vehicle. It is not in the current budget, but will be requested in the 2022/2023 budget. He continued by explaining the innovative technology available through the electronic mapping systems that will warn surrounding vehicles of an emergency vehicle in the area. This is a one-time fee of $500 per vehicle.
Tornado Warning Sirens: Chief Penet asked the committee if there was a budget to repair the sirens. Several sirens did not sound on the monthly testing day and need service. Chief Penet will contact Finance Director Jamie Maitret for more information.
2. Vehicles: Purchasing Director Dean Hardt passed out information regarding purchasing a new Pumper Truck from Engine House 3. A copy of the truck specs from Banner Fire Equipment and the Sourcewell contract were reviewed by the committee. Alderman Whitaker asked if retired Fire Chief Tom Pour will be receiving any commission or compensation for the purchase of the truck due to his signature being on the Proposal sheet. Chief Penet and Director Hardt both stated the salesperson they were speaking with was Mike Benker. Alderman Whitaker wanted to know if any other brands of trucks were considered. Chief Penet stated he had worked on the spec list for an E-One due to the departments experience and reliability of the brand. Other brands that are in the current fleet have not measured up to the E-One. Alderman Whitaker was concerned that citizens may be concerned that a former Fire Chief was associated with the purchase. Alderman Wigginton suggested having Chief Pour’s name removed from the proposal sheet and acquiring a letter from Banner stating Chief Pour was not going to receive compensation. Alderman Whitaker wants to look at other brands like Pierce, Crimson or Rosenbauer. Chief Penet explained he spec’d out the E-One for uniformity and continuity on a fire scene. Firefighters know the truck, know where the tools are housed on the unit. Alderman Whitaker asked Director Hardt to get bids on other brands. Chief Penet informed the committee of the scheduled price increase. Alderman Anthony asked if the bids would be ready by the December 13th meeting. Chief Penet stated that the sales personnel may need to present the proposals. No motion made; no action taken.
3. Personnel: Chief Penet is hopeful that two to three new firefighters will be hired in time for the next academy which will begin in late January 2022.
Interim Asst. Chief Wangelin asked Chief Penet if he would like to explain to the committee the possible refurbishment of Ladder 99 an E-One truck. Chief Penet explained that the E-One has an aluminum body and does not rust. They would be able to remove the body, replace the outdated mechanics and reassemble the body. A new ladder truck is around $1.1 million where the cost to refurbish is around $500,000. After the process, the truck would be good for another fifteen years. Other brands that Chief Penet is familiar with do not have this option.
Alderman Wigginton asked if Fire Trucks are still going out on inspections. Chief Penet stated at this time, yes.
New Business:
None.
Old Business:
None.
Adjournment:
Alderman Wigginton motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. second by Alderwoman Duco. All members present voted - AYE. Motion passed.
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11082021-2625
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