Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Safety Committee met May 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Brault, Miller, Muench, Pence, Garfield, Dewitt, Petersen, Alderwoman Rohlfs, and Mayor Marcier

GUESTS: Auxiliary Officer Erik Buikema, Steve Yana with the Fire Department, Police Chief Eric Starkey

Alderman Muench opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. There was no public comment. Auxiliary Officer Erik Buikema spoke first, he stated his department was called out 4/2/25 to monitor and patrol for a storm alert and then again on 4/21/25 to control traffic because of an accident at 4th& Walnut St. The monthly meeting was held 5/6/25 with all members in attendance. Nathan Conrad was introduced to the department. Uniform & Equipment inspection was done. During the meeting discussion was had on performing process and procedures on vehicle stops and demonstrated the difference between processing a car vs a motorcycle. The department also reviewed the Little League detail held on 5/3 and was reminded of the scheduled detail for the 4th of July parade. The department was notified that they are eligible for direct deposit and the department will need to get updated “Red Light” letters and update the IDs. Sgt Buikema stated the department would like to promote Andrew Johnson to Sergeant. It was stated he has been with the department now for 3 years. Alderman Muench makes a motion to recommend to the Council to promote Andrew Johnson to Sergeant in the Auxiliary department and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call carried 9-0. Sgt Johnson was pinned during the meeting.

Steve Yana with the Fire Department spoke next. The department had 5 fires, 8 first responder calls, 32 ambulance calls, 1 MVA, 7 automatic alarms, and 12 other miscellaneous calls, for a total of 65 calls for the month of April. Training for April was fire ground ladders and basement fires at the training cans, relay pumping/hose loads, boat training on the river and roof ventilation. Matthew Stichnoth and Justin Posey both passed the EMT-B class. The department also received Haz-Mat spill containment products. The department also participated in the Gold Star Memorial at Legion Park.

Chief Starkey spoke next. He stated it has been a smooth transition in the department. He and Lt. Harris and Sgt Marcot are working well together. The department has been doing drone training and stop stick training. He is currently working on the stop stick policy. He stated his department had 327 calls for the month of April with 61 stops and 13 booking arrests with $338 being paid to the county. Vehicle maintenance-The Tahoe is at Dralle’s getting the engine replaced for a cost of $14,000 but it is still under warranty and that will pay $11,230 so the city’ s portion is $3,081.65. Aldermen Pence makes a motion to recommend to the Council to approve the repairs for a cost of $3,081.65 and Alderman Muench seconded. Roll call carried 9-0. The Tahoe has 100,000 miles on it. The 2025 Ford Explorer is in for a cost of $39,305.70, the city received a $9,000 trade in on the 2019 Tahoe. Chief also has a quote for detailing cars 3 times a year for $2080/year. Chief Starkey stated he is making small changes in the department with the uniforms; each officer will get 2 short sleeve and 2 long sleeve shirts and 2 pairs of pants for a cost of $3800. There is $1,000 left in the clothing allowance line item. The department should not need any new vests as there were 5 new last year. Chief stated Sgt. Smith and Lt. Harris are certified with the drone. Chief stated the department will have quarterly training days and they will be having an active shooter class in the summer at one of the schools. Chief also asked if he could purchase a copier for him and Lt. Harris’s office.

Alderwoman Rohlfs asked if the police department was helping with the accident on Rt 24 tonight and Chief stated that is a state highway accident. Alderwoman Rohlfs asked Chief Starkey what his goals are for the department. He stated he has been working on some things internally and working on equipment and training. Alderman Brault asked about doing training at the Nettie Davis school with fire, EMS, and Police. Alderman Petersen thanked Chief Starkey for the smooth transition and Lt. Harris for stepping up and working together.

Alderman Muench makes a motion to adjourn, and Alderman Pence seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/4111