Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Police & Fire Committee met Oct. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Chair Alderperson Johnnie Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Committee Members Present:

Carmen Duco

Scott Ferguson

Johnnie Anthony

Shelly Schaefer

Bryan Whitaker

Dennis Weygandt

Excused:

Kara Osthoff

Mary Stiehl

Department Head/Staff:

Fire Chief Stephanie Mills

Police Chief Matt Eiskant 

Deputy Chief Curt Lougeay

Lt. Rob Thomason

Guest Alderperson: Lillian Schneider

Guest: Michael Hagberg

Public Comments: 

Michael Hagberg: Voice Stressed Software - Do we really need AI to provide this information and I will have to rely on the experts to decide, but all too often I see where the City is spending the money on fancy software only to learn years later that it never really worked as the salesman promised which kind of reminds me of one of the items I checked on a few months ago, the GPS locators for the Officers and if the Dispatchers have that available on their monitors at this time. I think there was an interface problem with it a couple of months ago just wondering if that has been resolved or are the Dispatchers still in the dark as to where the Officers are located?

Minutes: 

Alderperson Schaefer motioned to accept the minutes of the September 11, 2023 as presented, second by Alderperson Ferguson. All members present voted - Aye. Motion passed.

Unfinished Business: 

None.

Miscellaneous and New Business: 

Staff Report:

Police Department: 

Police Chief Eiskant:

Lt. Thomason will go over 8-A and 8-B.

Lt. Thomason: 8-A Motion authorizing the sale/conversion of Police Vehicles 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: 65093), 2015 Ford Explorer (VIN: 41886), 2014 Ford Taurus Sedan (VIN: 24229), 2014 Ford Taurus Sedan (VIN: 24228), 2014 Ford Taurus Sedan (VIN: 24226), 2018 Ford Explorer (VIN: 71602), 1989 Chevrolet S-10 (VIN: 91523)

Lt. Thomason explained that these were all cars that were out of commission, some being used to part out, others were just sitting in the garage area.

8-B. Motion authorizing sale/conversion of various Police Department equipment (cameras, push bumpers, light bars)

Lt. Thomason stated this various equipment was out of date and not being used. He continued by saying Dean Hardt will try and put these items up on GovDeals.com in order to sell them.

Alderperson Whitaker made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the sale of the items listed.

Members voting aye on roll call: Whitaker, Ferguson, Schaefer, Weygandt, Duco, Anthony

Motion carries.

8-C. Motion to approve a license agreement with NITV Federal Services for Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) computer, software, and training of two(2) Officers in the amount of $9785.00.

Police Chief Eiskant explained that the Police Department has been using this technology for years and it solves many crimes. The Officers that were trained on this software have moved to different assignments, so it is necessary to have two more officers trained to run the software.

Alderperson Ferguson made a motion second by Alderperson Schaefer to approve the agreement.

All members voting aye on roll call: Whitaker, Ferguson, Schaefer, Weygandt, Duco, Anthony

Motion carries.

Police Chief Eiskant informed the committee that the Oktoberfest and Chili Cook-Off were quite successful, only minor incidents occurred and he credited that to closing the events an hour earlier.

Crime Statistics: Police Chief Eiskant reported that the crime data is where it needs to be, it has been corrected and is being reported, as required, to the FBI. From January through September 2022 compared to January through September 2023, Crimes against Persons down 12.11%, Crimes against Property down 15.02% and Crimes against Society down 13.56%.

There was a murder committed over the weekend, Police Chief Eiskant stated they had the suspect in custody.

Fire Department: 

Fire Chief Mills: Lift Assists last month 9, in September 7. She has been in communication with MedStar and Abbott EMS letting them know the Fire Department is absolutely willing to help in those emergency situations, but the scheduled transportation calls need to be handled by their staff.

Fire in Arapaho Village: Fire Chief Mills reported that there was a fire in Arapaho Village that claimed a life. She noted that there are no fire hydrants in the trailer park. Belleville Fire Department will be requesting assistance from Freeburg and Northwest Fire Department in the event of another fire in Arapaho.

Ruler Foods: The store has been closed to the public; employees are allowed inside for the time being to move the merchandise out. It will take IDNR five to six weeks to complete their investigation. At this time Queensway Drive is still closed due to continual movement.

Apparatus: The new truck is at Banner; this unit does have a galvanized frame to slow the rust. This truck is a demo and will be fitted with the necessary and required tools. Truck 22 will be used as a trade-in, Banner is giving $7,500.00 for the trade.

Deputy Fire Chief Lougeay: Recertifications have been completed for Rope Training, Boat Operations and Public-School Inspectors. Upcoming training includes Search and Rescue Training. He is working on a Quarterly Training Calendar.

October is Fire Prevention month. All of the schools in Belleville City limits will be visited by an Engine Company to teach techniques to prevent harm and escape safely from a fire.

Building Plans: Currently there are thirteen sets of plans to be reviewed for new construction in Belleville.

Alderperson Ferguson commended the Police and Fire Chiefs for the strides they are making.

Adjournment:

Alderperson Schaefer made a motion second by Alderperson Ferguson to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

All members present voted - Aye.

Motion carries.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10092023-3100