Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Safety Committee met Oct. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Alderwoman Ulfers, Musk, Aldermen Garfield, Miller, Barragree, Cahoe, Marcier, Rushbrook, Mayor Allhands

GUESTS: Fire Chief Ken Baier and Police Chief Jeremy Douglas

Alderwoman Ulfers opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. There was no public comment. Auxiliary Officer Mark Garfield stated his department had 2 work details, Harvest Days and traffic control for a semi that was broke down at the west junction. The department also received their new radios. Training for the month was done at Wrights Martial Arts for self-defense.

Fire Chief Ken Baier spoke next. He stated the department had 1 structure fire, 2 MVC, 1 mutual aid at Milford for a brush fire, 2 smoke/odor investigation, 1 lift assist, 1 CO Alarm, and 2 automatic alarms for the month of September. Training for September consisted of officer meeting and station maintenance, acquired structure training, (ventilation, overhaul, forcible entry), physicals were done for OSHA, and live fire training at the training cans (search & rescue). Firefighter Tom Sandeno completed and passed his vehicle machinery operator class. Chief Baier stated a reminder letter will be sent out to the local realtor’s and chamber of commerce regarding smoke detector availability. If anyone would like a smoke detector inspection, they need to contact the fire department and get it scheduled. There is a $25 fee for this. This led to lengthy discussion about smoke detectors and the many homes that probably don’t have them. It was discussed that each home in Watseka that doesn’t have a smoke detector should be given 1 free. Chief Baier will work on this and bring more info back to the committee. Chief Baier also stated he has quotes for fire protection systems at both stations from Matco out of Paxton. Station 1 cost is $9175 and Station 2 cost is $5895. A sprinkler system for station 1 is $33,000.00 because a new line will need to be run from the street. Alderman Marcier asked about how this system would connect to ICOM and Chief stated either from a phone line or internet. It was suggested that Chief get another quote and bring it to full council in 2 weeks if possible. Chief also reported the department has applied for a Leary’s Foundation grant asking for an Argo 8x8 which is a ground and water vehicle with 4 tires on each side that could be used for floods, brush fires etc. If received the city would receive $25,000 and would have to pay $3,000 to get the equipment. Chief Baier state the phone line that was discussed last month has been disconnected and moved to the county.

Police Chief Jeremy Douglas spoke next. He stated the department had 329 calls for service during the month of September. Chief stated Officer Hall was at the park district for coffee with a cop, Chief Douglas and Officer Smith went to Glenn Raymond for a duck presentation. Chief stated the department has received the new radios and got an upgraded radio that would have cost $900 but was purchased for $700 each. Chief would like to donate some of the old radios to Unit 9 Schools, they would pay the $20 fee to have them reprogramed. The committee is ok with this. Auxiliary was given 6 of the new radios and 9 are on the shelf for storage. Chief Douglas stated he would like for the committee to consider using port a potty for the parks instead of the bathrooms. There is so much vandalism being done this might be a better option. The port a potty could be put on concrete and put a wall around 3 sides like a Lake View Park. Then the regular bathrooms could be opened for special events that are being held at the parks like birthday parties, family reunions etc. The committee is ok with this and Chief will talk to Public Works Director Dustin Standish. Alderman Cahoe suggested if this happens to tear down the bathroom at West Side Park. Chief stated he has the Chrysler 300 advertised for sale and has a few bids already. Chief reported the fire and police commission met and interviewed the 3 lateral officers that applied. They have chosen 1 and Detective Marcot is in the process of doing a background check. Chief Douglas reported the K9 vehicle was hit and has been turned into the insurance company. Chief Douglas also reported there was a liquor violation here in the city that was done by the ISP under cover department. Alcohol was sold to a minor. A discussion was had about what the city will do as far as discipline. Mayor Allhands stated he needed to get the report from ISP and then a hearing will be held with him and Attorney Cainkar to decide what the next step will be for the city.

Mayor Allhands stated he needed to have an executive session pertaining to litigation. Alderman Garfield makes a motion to enter into executive session at 7:38 pm for pending litigation and Alderwoman Ulfers seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

Alderman Barragree makes a motion to go back to regular session at 7:41 pm and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

Alderwoman Ulfers stated there was no action coming out of executive session.

Alderwoman Ulfers makes a motion to adjourn at 7:44 pm and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/public-safety-10-12-21.pdf