Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met Jan. 10.

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 Brian Whitaker Shelley Schaefer

Roger Wigginton Dennis Weygandt

Carmen Duco Mary Stiehl

Department Head/Staff: Fire Chief Penet Treasurer Sarah Biermann Dean Hardt, Purchasing Agent Mayor Gregory (6:11 pm)

Excused: Police Chief Clay

Minutes:

Alderman Wigginton motioned to accept the minutes of the December 13, 2021, meeting second by Alderman Weygandt. Vote by Roll Call: Anthony, Ferguson, Whitaker, Schaefer, Wigginton, Weygandt, Duco, Stiehl – Aye. Motion passed.

Public Comments:

None.

Staff Report:

Fire Department: Chief Penet

Significant Calls: Fourteen (14) members of the Belleville Fire Department were dispatched to the Edwardsville Tornado through St. Clair County Emergency Management. Maximum financial exposure is $6,400.00. Federal Reimbursement has been approved and Amazon has promised reimbursement as well. The universal training the Fire Department has received was instrumental in the rescue and recovery of several victims.

Vehicle: Bids were received through a national cooperative bidding contract with Sourcewell as follows:

E-One $598,700.00 – Alternate Aluminum Cab with rear stainless-steel compartments $557,354.00

Pierce $622,129.00 – Rosenbauer $649,847.00 – Ferrara did not bid.

Alderwoman Schaefer motion to accept the low bid from E-One through Banner Fire Equipment with the alternate stainless-steel option second by Alderman Ferguson.

Vote by Roll Call: Ferguson, Whitaker, Schaefer, Wigginton, Weygandt, Duco, Stiehl, Anthony – Aye. Motion passed.

Personnel: Asst. Fire Chief position testing was administered. Two candidates took the test with Interim Asst. Chief Wangelin being the high score. The Police and Fire Commissioners will make the appointment at the January 20, 2022, meeting. Action will also be taken to fill the open Battalion Chief and Captain positions. Start date for all positions will be January 24, 2022, the beginning of new cycle. Chief Penet asked that this item be placed on the February 7, 2022, agenda for City Council.

Four (4) candidates from the current list will be interviewed by the Police & Fire Commissioners. There are eleven (11) candidates on the list which will expire February 17, 2023. Chief Penet hopes to have interviews and hiring completed in time for the next Fire Academy in February.

Alderman Weygandt inquired about the Firefighter who was hurt while aiding EMS with a non-emergency lift assist and wants to know if Department Policies are going to change for this kind of call. Chief Penet discussed a new policy that morning in a Command Staff meeting. The BC will be vested with the authority to evaluate if the patient is stable enough to call for additional Ambulance/EMS staff or if the need is great enough for Fire Department assistance. Alderman Weygandt also would like the City Attorney to investigate the possibility of making a claim against the homeowner’s insurance, since the individual needing aid was using space in a non compliant area of the home as a bedroom. Chief Penet explain that the housing department will be addressing the issue under the Property Maintenance Code. He will contact City Attorney Hoerner to find out if the City can file a claim against the homeowner’s insurance policy.

Alderman Weygandt continued by asking if the repairs were being made to Engine House 3 as previously approved. Chief Penet informed the committee that Purchasing Agent Dean Hardt will be sending out bids to complete the approved improvements on Engine House 3. Alderman Weygandt stated the things that need to be repaired can be carried out by the City of Belleville Maintenance Department and outside vendors were not necessary.

Alderman Weygandt asked Chief Penet about the Firefighter who interrupted the City Council meeting last week, he wanted to know if disciplinary action was going to be taken. Chief Penet stated the Firefighter is on Administrative Leave and that Human Resources and City Attorney Hoerner are addressing the issue. Alderman Anthony said this was a matter for personnel and should not be address during this meeting.

New Business:

None.

Old Business:

None.

Adjournment:

Alderman Ferguson motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m. second by Alderwoman Schaefer.

Vote by Roll Call: Whitaker, Schaefer,

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01102022-2665