Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met July 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Chair Alderman Johnnie Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

Committee Members Present: Johnnie Anthony; Shelley Schaefer; Carmen Duco; Dennis Weygandt; Scott Ferguson; Mary Stiehl; and Kara Osthoff

Department Head/Staff: Asst. Chief Rick Wangelin; and Lt. Col. Mark Heffernan 

Excused: Brian Whitaker

Minutes:

Alderman Weygandt motioned to accept the minutes of the June 13, 2022, meeting as presented, second by Alderwoman Schaefer. All members present voted – Aye. Motion passed.

Public Comments:

None.

Staff Report:

Police Department: Lt. Col. Heffernan handed out a draft Intergovernmental Grant Agreement between Belleville School District 175 and the City of Belleville to provide a Police Officer for Harmony-Emge School. This is the same agreement the City has with Belleville School District 201. District 175 will pay the salary of the Officer.

Alderwoman Osthoff made a motion second by Alderman Ferguson to approve the IGA with Belleville School District 175.

Lt. Col. Heffernan stated that Signal Hill was investigating the idea of an SRO as well.

Alderman Weygandt asked if the Police Department will be an Officer down due to this agreement. Lt. Col. Heffernan explained they will be talking with Finance Director Maitret to replace this officer. Alderman Weygandt said he would like to see more Street Department workers.

Alderwoman Stiehl stated she felt that providing the Officer shows we care about our City. Lt. Col. Heffernan added that it is a good policy to work with the area schools.

Members voting aye on roll call: Anthony, Ferguson, Schaefer, Weygandt, Duco, Stiehl, Osthoff. Motion passed.

Fire Department: Asst. Fire Chief Wangelin informed the Committee that Fire Chief Penet will be retiring and is using his vacation right now.

Asst. Chief Wangelin explained the contract for Tyler Technologies records management system, MobileEyes, expires July 31 and they will be replacing with First Due. Firehouse Software expires December 31, 2022 as well.

The Illinois Department of Labor will be meeting at Engine House 4 on July 29th. A report of any deficiencies will be presented to the Fire Department.

Alderwoman Stiehl asked about the Lift Assist calls. She stated that Fire Chief Penet was supposed to be working on getting quotes from other cities regarding what they charge for these types of services. Alderman Weygandt reiterated the Bassler situation and expressed how he did not want another Firefighter getting hurt. Alderwoman Stiehl suggested to Asst. Chief Wangelin that he approach City Attorney Hoerner about an Ordinance.

Asst. Chief Wangelin updated the committee on the progress of Ladder Truck 1299 stating the parts list from Banner is ready to go and it will take approximately eight weeks to get all the parts. Truck 1231 had the delivery moved up to November.

Asst. Chief Wangelin reported on the fire alarm at 104 North High Street (apartments). Alderman Weygandt asked if there was a new State or Federal law requiring all smoke alarms to have a ten-year battery. Asst. Chief Wangelin explained that the smoke alarms the Fire Department installs are ten-year battery.

New Business:

Alderwoman Osthoff asked if the City of Belleville 911 Telecommunicators are trained like St. Clair County. Chairman Anthony believes they all go through the same training.

Chairman Anthony discussed a rumor circulating throughout the region that Alderman Whitaker will be the next Fire Chief. He stated this is a false rumor, Chairman Anthony spoke to Alderman Whitaker who stated he is not interested in the position, no one had approached him regarding the position, nor is he qualified to hold the position. Chairman Anthony expressed his desire to promote from within the department to fill the position of Fire Chief.

Old Business:

None.

Adjournment:

Alderwoman Stiehl motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m. second by Alderwoman Duco. All members present voted - Aye. Motion passed.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07112022-2805