Peoria Standard

City of BellevillePolice & Fire Committee met Sept. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Johnnie Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Committee Members Present:            Johnnie Anthony              Kent Randle                  Mary Stiehl

                                                            Joe Hazel                         Phil Elmore

Committee Members Excused:          Jane Pusa                        Shelley Schaefer           Roger Wigginton

Department Head/Staff:                      Mayor Mark Eckert          Fire Chief Tom Pour

                                                            Treasurer Dean Hardt

Minutes:

Alderman Stiehl motioned to accept the minutes of the August 12, 2019 meeting second by Alderman Elmore. All members present voted - AYE. Motion passed.

Public Comments:

None.

Staff Report:

Fire Chief Pour:

Board Up Services Reviewed: Chief Pour stated there has been some issues with the current board up services, long response times and billing inquires. He will continue to use them through the end of the calendar year. In January, Chief Pour would like to add a third company or go out for RFPs. The need for this type of service has really changed. At the Staff meeting it was discussed to possibly have the Street Department do the board ups during the day. The Mayor will request statistics from the Police Department on their use of this type of service.

New Business:

None.

Old Business:

The State is Adopting the 2015 Life/Safety Code. Chief Pour explained a handout to outline some of the changes to the code and explained how it will help the City of Belleville. Some of the big changes deals with CO canisters and old wiring. Alderman Elmore asked if the new code addresses outdoor stairs of multi-family dwellings. Chief Pour stated this would be a building code issue.

Chief Pour showed the new ballistic vest that will be used by the Fire Department. It is a one size fit’s all. It expands from a 34” waist to a 64” waist. The vest is red with yellow lettering, this will make it easy to distinguish from the Police. Several Alderman commented on the heavy weight of the vest. Cost will be $800.00 each and Chief Pour would like one vest for each seat on the trucks.

Pumper Replacement: Process will be started by the end of the year. It takes 12 – 15 months to build a truck. New truck will have ladder inside and a lot more compartments.

Alderman Ovian asked if Firefighters are being crossed trained for EMTs. Chief Pour stated he is expanding training like CPR and Stop the Bleed but not certifying EMTs. Runs have increased by nearly 500 per year or 25% with just running on critical care runs.

Alderman Ovian asked if any talks have happened regarding one fire protection district. Mayor Eckert explained that ideas have been exchanged and does expect this way down the road.

Adjournment:

Alderman Randle motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. second by Alderman Stiehl. All members present voted – AYE. Motion passed.

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09092019-2042