Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Safety Committee met Feb. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

GUESTS: Fire Chief Ken Baier, Police Chief Jeremy Douglas, Lt. King and Officer Muench

Alderwoman Ulfers opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. Auxiliary Officer Mark Garfield stated the department helped with the snow storm but there were no incidents. He also stated his new members need winter gear and there is no where around here so they will purchase and turn the receipts into him for reimbursement.

Fire Chief Ken Baier stated his department had 2 motor vehicle crashes, 5 automatic alarms, 1 gas leak, 1 auto aid call, 3 mutual aid calls, 2 lift assists, and 1 other call for a total of 15. Training for the month of December was size up and command, blood borne pathogen, CPR and a HazMat refresher course. Chief reported Nick Brault has completed his fire service instructor 1 and Officer Burton completed a HazMat class. Chief stated the lieutenants list is finalized and is posted at the stations. There was a series of steps required in order to be added to the list. Chief Baier stated the new smoke detector program is running smoothly and they just finished today setting up the fire recovery system to be able to collect monies for accidents from the insurance companies. He reminded everyone of the fireman banquet on February 19th at the Elks Club. He also stated the lockers have been ordered from Lyons and there is a 16 week build order as they are custom built. Chief stated the mutual aid association has applied for some grant money from the county to acquire a building to house their equipment in in a centralized location.

Police Chief Jeremy Douglas spoke next. He stated there has been talk of promotions in the police department but nothing ever happens. Chief would like to promote Lt. King to Deputy Chief or Captain, and he would like to promote another officer to Sergeant. There has only been 1 sergeant since 2016, and there are currently 5 officers eligible. Lt. King gave a short talk on his history with the department. He stated he started with WPD in August 1996 and has been here every since. He stated he has history with many of the Aldermen/Alderwoman. Lt. King stated in 2016 he also applied for the Chief’s position and he believes the right man got the position. He stated he and the Chief work will together and always have. He stated the reason an officer stays at a job is because of loyalty and choices and he believes he is loyal to the city and he has made the choice to stay here all these years.

Officer Muench spoke next. He is one of the 5 that is eligible for the sergeant position. He stated the reason the younger officers are leaving is because there is no room for advancement in the department at this time. He stated people will stay and have a better work ethic if there is advancement later on. He stated he also understands there are some issues in the Police and Fire Commission which is the reason for no promotions. There was then a lengthy discussion about the police and fire commission members and maybe its time for some new people. It was stated of the 5 members only 1 membership has been renewed with an appointment. It was also discussed do the commission members really understand their positions on the board. Chief Douglas stated the fire and police commission make the promotions after the exams and bring them to the council for approval. Chief stated the applicants need to pass a written exam before moving to the next step. It was decided to have the fire and police commission members come to the full council meeting on February 22 and get reappointed or replaced. 

Alderman Cahoe asked about the promotion for Lt. King. Chief Douglas stated he can do the promotion himself without the police and fire commission. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to appoint Lt. King to Deputy Chief effective February 22nd, 2022 and Alderwoman Ulfers seconded. Roll call carried 9-0. '

Chief Douglas stated the push bars are installed on the squads. The K9 vehicle water pump went out and it was down getting fixed, the charger was having front end steering problems but after taking it to the shop it was discovered it was low on fluid and only a dealership can refill it. Chief stated the new Tahoe is stuck in Chicago waiting on the chip but all the new gear is in waiting on the Tahoe. Chief stated the Tahoes have been running well except that they seem to go through batteries quickly.

Chief stated the staff meeting last about 2.5 hours but a lot of topics were discussed and he feels it was a good meeting. Chief stated Officer Ward and Officer Puleo need to get fitted yet for their new uniforms but the rest have been ordered.

Chief stated there were no problems during the snow storm with personnel making it to work.

Alderwoman Ulfers makes a motion to adjourn at 7:15pm and Alderman Cahoe seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/public-safety-2-8-22.pdf