Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Safety Committee met March 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

ABSENT: Alderman Garfield and Alderwoman Musk

GUESTS: Fire Chief Ken Baier, Police Chief Jeremy Douglas

Alderwoman Ulfers opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. The Auxiliary report was read by Mayor Allhands-The department did officer training; intro to proper officer positioning and procedures during vehicle stops.

Fire Chief Ken Baier stated his department had 2 fire alarms, 1 odor investigation, 4 lift assists, 1 EMS assist, 1 power line down for the month of February. The training for February consisted of SCBA MOD A training, Building preplans and tours at Geiger’s and AHW, officer training, and new driver training for the month of February. Chief stated Nicholas Brault was promoted to

Lieutenant at station 2 and Tom Sandeno was promoted to Lieutenant at station 1. 7 personnel are in a first responder class. Chief also reported the department purchased some extrication equipment form Aroma Fire for $500.00. Chief Baier stated the heavy rescue truck had pump and valve work done. Chief gave the committee a brief overview of the Haz Mat call form last week. He stated in November he was notified of a smell of gas from the sewer department but nothing specific was found and the odor went away. Last week R.P. Lumber complained of a smell of diesel in there drains, from there the department was called in and it was traced back to the Shell Gas Station. The Fire Marshall and the EPA have all been notified and have been at the station. They are monitoring the situation and the tank that had the leak is now empty and the station is allowed to pump only unleaded gas. There is an issue at the pond south of city hall with fish dying and the EPA is handling that also.

Chief Baier thanked everyone that came to the awards banquet.

Police Chief Jeremy Douglas spoke next. He stated his department had 285 calls for service during the month of February. Chief reported the new Tahoe has been delivered and has been striped and is getting some of the new equipment installed. The water pump went out in the K 9 vehicle but it was under warranty. Chief also stated a lifter in the engine went out in Officer Halls vehicle but it is also under warranty and will be down about 2 weeks. Chief stated the newly formed Police & Fire Commission met and have elected Ron Gocken as the new Chairman and have added Nita Dubble to the commission also. They will be meeting again Monday the 14th at 6:00. Chief stated the board members are all working in the same direction with being all on board with promotions within the department. Chief stated there is a one-day conference in Springfield on May 6th for $260 per person and he is encouraging the police and fire commission members to attend.

Chief stated he is sending Alex Covarrubias to part time academy. He was on the last list the department had. Chief stated by doing this he could move into full time when someone retires.

Alderwoman Ulfers stated she has been contacted by the Knights of Columbus for a fireworks donation. In the past the city has given $5,000 but the price of the fireworks has increased to $15,000. She is asking the committee if they are ok with donating $7500 this year instead of $5,000. The committee is ok with this and it will be put on the agenda for full council.

Alderwoman Ulfers makes a motion to adjourn at 6:52 pm and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 7-0.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/public-safety-3-8-22.pdf