City of North Chicago Public Safety Committee met April 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Absent: January
I. DISCUSSION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Police Chief Lazaro Perez provided an overview of the Police Department Report. He focused on pg. 6; NCPD team members had agreed on the new design for new squad car graphics with the new city vehicles none since year 1980’s; including new verbiage “protect and serve” and “dial 911.” A special response team was implemented consisting of highly trained members available on-call led by the Sgt. Supervisor; formed a recruitment/retention team of officer personnel; Human Resources and Community Information Coordinator. The goal was to increase the number of officers and candidates. He provided the NCPD stats including shots fired, parking citations, recovered firearms, traffic citations, foot patrols and business checks.
Alderman Allen had concerns of needed cameras; Chief Perez explained was attempting estimated (3) from Abbvie and awaiting if they would cover the cost.
Alderman Mayfield commended Chief with the increased foot patrols in the 2nd Ward.
Alderman Jackson questioned grant money status; Chief stated was still awaiting; He also asked if plans for the summer season; Chief was unaware of deploying gang awareness. There was a gang presentation at the North Chicago Community High School last meeting week.
Alderman Smith asked if any officer candidate information; Chief preferred expanding to the National Testing Network for increased audience; he was willing to assist. A letter was sent out and unaware how it would be managed.
Alderman Evans explained he had summoned the youth and parents needed to be more engaged in the family household; there was not much participation from parents.
III. DISCUSSION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH HEALTH ENDEAVORS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL PHYSICALS NOT TO EXCEED $11,835.00:
Fire Chief John Umek asked to start with item 3. He explained asked to enter into a contract with Health Endeavors for annual physicals Not to Exceed $11,835.00.
There were no questions or comments from City Council.
IV. DISCUSSION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH TODAY’S UNIFORMS FOR THE OUTFITTING OF FIRE DEPARTMENT ISSUED UNIFORMS, NOT TO EXCEED $17,000.00:
Fire Chief Umek discussed entering into a contract with Today’s Uniform for outfitting of fire department issued uniforms Not to Exceed $17,000.00.
There were no questions or comments from City Council.
V. DISCUSSION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIREFIGHTER BUNKER GEAR (PPE), NOT TO EXCEED $14,000.00:
Fire Chief Umek discussed entering into a contract with Municipal Emergency Services Inc. for the purchase of Firefighter Bunker Gear (PPE), Not to Exceed $14,000.00.
There were no questions or comments from City Council.
II. DISCUSSION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Fire Chief John Umek provided an overview of the Fire Department Report; Alderman Evans questioned Robo Calls; Chief Umek stated was awaiting Mayor’s approval.
The Mayor had expressed concern of increased fires. He questioned if smoke detectors were offered; Chef Umek clarified the fires weren’t exclusive to residential issues.
Alderman Smith questioned if open burning was allowed; Chief Umek said no though small campfires were allowed if contained and away from the structure. The specific rules and regulations were in the City Code. No Mutual Aid assistance was requested in the month of March 2023; the Fire Department was hosting a cost-free CPR/First Aid and Home Fire Safety Clinic to teach basic Life Saving Skills in case of an emergency; the 2022 F-450 Ambulance arrival date was the last week of April 2023. It will be showcased at a conference; increased Opioid drug overdose deaths and kits sold at various department stores.
The Mayor asked if there were strips for the drug; Chief Umek stated was included in a kit. The Mayor clarified that Fentanyl and Opioid are a national problem; Chief Umek explained the firefighters had the recovery strips in their vehicles.
Alderman Allen questioned number of Opioid overdoses; Chief Umek stated there were (8).
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield that the Public Safety Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Nays: None
Absent: January
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COMMITTEE_MINUTES.4.17.23.pdf
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