Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met April 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        Brian Whitaker

Shelley Schaefer       Carmen Duco

Dennis Weygandt      Mary Stiehl

Department Head/Staff:

Fire Chief Penet        Police Chief Clay

Excused:                         Scott Ferguson

Others in attendance: Mayor Gregory arrived 6:15 p.m.

Minutes:

Alderman Whitaker motioned to accept the minutes of the March 14, 2022, meeting as presented second by Alderwoman Schaefer. All members present voted – Aye. Motion passed.

Public Comments:

None.

Staff Report:

Police Department – Chief Clay

Chief Clay thanked the Aldermen for the support given with passing the new Police CBA. Currently, the Police Department is in the process of hiring eight new Officers. Three will be lateral hires and five will be new hires, bringing the Department total to seventy-two. Along with the new Officers, the department has hired five full time and two part-time Telecommunicators, bringing the staff to eighteen.

Fire Department – Chief Penet

Chief Penet reported that two Probationary Firefighters will be graduating from the academy soon. They will need to complete three additional weeks of specialized. Both will be on the roster beginning May 9, 2022.

Chief Penet opened the floor for any questions regarding the 2022/2023 Fire Department Budget. Hearing none, he went over the three large increases to purchase new software, three sets of airbags, and the increase in fuel cost.

Alderwoman Schaefer stated that HB5317 was directed toward Non-Home Rule municipalities. She asked Chief Penet to speak with City Attorney Hoerner to see if fees could be charged for non-emergency lift assists.

Alderman Weygandt asked if Signal Hill was going to annex into Belleville. Chief Penet stated there was a meeting where it was discussed, but the constituents of that area took an informal vote and decided not to annex.

New Business:

None.

Old Business:

None.

Adjournment:

Alderwoman Schaefer motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m. second by Alderman Weygandt. All members present voted - Aye. Motion passed.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04112022-2732