MINUTES

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 2008


#1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Michael Puhr called the Special Meeting of the Public Works Committee to order at 5:45 p.m.

Roll Call was answered by Chairman Mike Puhr, Vice Chairman Rick Strebing, Aldermen Terry Baldwin, Jon Cooper, and Tommie Reed. Absent were Aldermen Steve Foster and Bill Gilbert. A quorum was present. Alderman Gilbert arrived at 5:53 p.m.

Others Present were Mayor Scott Eisenhauer, Aldermen Dale Brandenburg, Ron Candido, Lois Cooper, Steve Nichols and Nancy O’Kane, Assistant Fire Chief Don Hanetho, City Clerk Janet Myers, Community Development Manager John Dreher, Deputy Director of Fire Service Bobby Lillard, Public Transportation Director Richard Brazda, Public Works Director Doug Ahrens, Rehab Specialist Angie Jestis, 1 audience member, and 2 news media.

#2 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – Dick Brazda, Director
Chairman Puhr presented a resolution authorizing free fares for riders 65 years of age and older, effective February 24, 2008. Alderman Strebing moved for approval, seconded by Alderman Reed. Director Brazda stated the State Legislature passed House Bill 656 that provided for additional funding for the transit systems in northeastern Illinois. In addition, it provided a change in the downstate funding provisions in which Danville Mass Transit will receive 65% of expenses instead of the normal 55%. As an additional measure, free transit services are provided to senior citizens age 65 and older. Since there is a deadline for implementation of the free service, it was decided to move forward as soon as possible with the change. Director Brazda also stated implementation will consist of using the same reduced fare ID card now used and asking for verification of age. There being no questions, the roll call vote being:
Ayes: Aldermen Baldwin, J.Cooper, Reed, Strebing, Puhr
Nays: None
Absent: Aldermen Foster, Gilbert
Motion carried 5 to 0 with 2 absent.

#3 FIRE DEPARTMENT – Larry Thomason, Public Safety Director
Chairman Puhr presented a resolution adopting the National Incident Management System (NIMS) concept of emergency planning and unified command as well as a policy for training public officials. Alderman Strebing moved for approval, seconded by Alderman Reed. Assistant Fire Chief Hanetho and Deputy Director Lillard explained this concept was started after 9/11 and adopted by Homeland Security in 2004. All firefighters have received the necessary training; however, it has been discovered training is necessary for all City personnel and elected officials and there must be a formal adoption of the NIMS concept. It was stated Fire Staff is currently in the process of putting together training for additional personnel and elected officials and that it would require answering a series of questions via the internet. Federal funding is at stake without the formal adoption and training. [During discussion, Alderman Gilbert arrived at 5:53 p.m. and took his seat.] There being no further discussion, the roll call vote being:
Ayes: Aldermen J.Cooper, Reed, Strebing, Baldwin, Puhr
Nays: None
Not Voting: Alderman Gilbert
Absent: Alderman Foster
Motion carried 5 to 0 with 1 not voting and 1 absent.

#4 ADJOURNMENT
There being no other items on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Reed and a second by Alderman Strebing.

Janet K. Myers, City Clerk

Approved: 02/12/08
Posted Publicly: 02/13/08