Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Safety Committee met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Muench, Anderson, Miller, Barragree, Cahoe, Marcier, Alderwomen Rohlfs and DeLahr and Mayor Allhands

GUESTS: Auxiliary Officer Erik Buikema, Fire Chief Ken Baier, Interim Police Chief Mark Harris

Alderman Muench opened the meeting at 7:07 pm. There was no public comment. Auxiliary Officer Erik Buikema was the first to speak, he stated his department had 4 officers absent at their meeting. At the meeting they discussed: operation and theory of body cams, wearing and pairing to squads, etc. performed hands on handcuffs detainment training, and informed the group about the operating drone that has been purchased, and that the city will soon have stop sticks. There were no callouts for February. The department had 1 person resign and are in the process of interviewing another. Erik is hoping to move another officer up to a Lt. leadership position in April.

Fire Chief Ken Baier stated his department had 6 fires, 7 first responder calls, 30 ambulance calls, 2 automatic alarm calls, and 5 other miscellaneous calls for a total of 51 for the month of February. Training for February was CPR, search and Rescue at the training cans, ICE rescue, and SCBA Buddy Breathing. The department received a $26,000 small tools grant. This will be used for turnout gear. The department is also now able to receive smoke detectors for the hearing impaired at no cost to the resident. Chief stated the city has passed the ordinance for the surplus rescue, so they will be putting it out for bid.

Interim Police Chief Mark Harris spoke next. He stated his department had 236 calls for service during the month of February. Chief stated car 1 is done at the body shop, car 2 transmission went out and the cost to fix it from Dralle’s is $6400-this is a 2019 with 95,000 miles on it. After some discussion it was decided to see what Dralle’s will give the city for it before they decide to fix it. Car 3 has an oil leak and is going to Ford to see what the issue is. Chief then reported the department will be getting the new e ticket program soon and needs to update 6 more MDC’s with docking stations for a cost of $23,000. He would like to take this purchase from the cure grant monies. Chief stated the tasers the department is using are 10 years old and are not working correctly. They have been in contact with a company and the quote is $20,000 a year for 5 years for 14 tasers. These tasers come with virtual training and will shoot out 45 feet and they will get 10 shots per taser. There is also a liability insurance plan for the 5 years while paying for them. The cost to replace a cartridge is $22.00 and the tasers should last 12-15 years. Chief stated if they were ordered by the end of March the yearly payments could be a bit less. The committee agreed this is a operational expenditure and they should move forward with it. Chief Harris stated the department wanted to give a demonstration of the drone tonight, but it has gotten to dark, so Sgt. Smith was in attendance, he took the drone out of the case and showed the committee. The drone is now in service, and more officers will be taking the training for it soon along with some of the fire department and possibly public works. Chief Harris stated the department is now down 3 guys with Douglas and King retiring and they have another officer that will be out for about 1 month, but the other officers are stepping up and covering the shifts.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to adjourn at 7:37 pm and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/3976