Brian D. Brown

The committee discussed various operational matters including radio communication protocols, the creation of separate incident reports for police-related calls, and the cessation of Wednesday night pager tests. Further discussions addressed ongoing challenges with station logins, mapping issues, and AVL/mobile system problems at specific locations. The committee also covered the need for a joint policy regarding TIMS training and reviewed CAD updates involving run cards, drone call notifications, and unit recommendations. Plans for future mapping uploads and a potential meeting with the state's attorney regarding radio channel consolidation were also noted.

The meeting included a discussion on field feedback and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) data quality issues, noting that dispatchers can submit Field Feedback Reports (FFRs). Operational discussions focused on required information for dispatch calls, such as providing addresses and locations, ensuring correct name entry (including hyphenated last names), and removing 'unknown' entries to maintain accurate state reporting. System issues addressed included the handling of meal break status versus creating calls, clarification on updating call information (except Primary Incident Code), and addressing mapping errors. Guidance was issued to officers regarding repeating specific radio codes (27s and 28s) and waiting for acknowledgment before transmitting. The group reviewed system updates, including the new CAD configuration covering permissions and NIBRS reporting. No changes were made to response configuration or Priority Dispatch service policy.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from the standing committees on Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement Operations, specifically concerning separating law enforcement and fire calls in the CAD system and building out fire/EMS run cards. The Executive Director's report covered the CESSA subregional committee meeting, which placed IVRD in Cohort 0 requiring implementation of IL Risk Level 2 responses, staffing updates, and legislative efforts regarding the 9-1-1 surcharge bill. Financial matters included receiving and placing on file the December financial report, the FY25 IVRD Audit/Financial Report, and the IVRD Tax Return, along with approving the payment of bills. The board agreed to continue utilizing the Code Red emergency notification system despite higher costs associated with alternatives. New business involved receiving the certificate of insurance from the City of Peru and approving resolutions for the Executive Director's employment agreement and a disclosure/consent to dual representation.

The commission primarily discussed traffic conditions on Hennepin Street between McArthur Road and Eleventh Street, focusing on excessive speeding, drivers using the street to avoid a stoplight, and stop sign violations. A resident expressed comfort with installing two speed bumps, rerouting exit traffic from the pool parking lot, and concerns for child safety due to speeding cars and electric scooters. The Police Chief recommended utilizing random stationary patrols and advised residents to report speeders, noting that Flock cameras assist in tracing vehicles. The Chief agreed to dispatch patrol cars to monitor stop signs. Additionally, during a subsequent public comment period, a resident raised concerns regarding speeding traffic and parking issues on Fifth Street due to street width, which was noted to be an item for the City Council meeting immediately following this commission meeting.

The meeting addressed several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included an update on the upcoming subregional committee meeting concerning the transition to Illinois Risk Level 2 responses, which may involve Police and EMS responses with mobile Crisis Response teams. Staffing plans were reviewed, noting a forthcoming hiring of a part-time person. Progress on the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system noted ongoing improvements and addressing lingering issues like phone integration and livescan via vendor support. Furthermore, an update on legislative efforts included the promotion of a bill to raise the 9-1-1 surcharge from $1.50 to $2.50. Financially, the November financial report was reviewed and approved for filing, along with the approval and payment of bills. The session concluded with an executive (closed) session to discuss personnel matters.