Greendale trustees approve police, fire equipment purchases and a slate of community event permits

Greendale trustees on Feb. 18 approved a set of budgeted equipment purchases for public safety and issued permits for multiple community events.

Votes at a glance

- Approved minutes: Trustees voted to approve the Regular and Special Board Meeting Minutes of Feb. 4, 2025.

- Police squad cameras: The board approved the purchase and installation of 11 squad-camera systems for the Greendale Police Department at a total cost of $101,681 (Motorola quote $91,231; EVS LLC installation $10,450). The purchase is funded from the capital fund; ongoing maintenance is estimated at $2,145 per year through 2029.

- Fire extrication cutter: Trustees approved purchase of a battery-powered Genesis extrication cutter for the Greendale Fire Department at a net cost of $16,790 after trade-in.

- Special events and permits: The board approved a series of special-event permit applications, with staff reviews and the listed fiscal conditions where applicable. Approved events included a sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt (March 22), Carry The Load relay stop (May 7), Petalooza (May 17), Community Safety Day (May 31), Run for Greendale Parks & Trails (Aug. 31), Trimborne Farms Harvest of Arts & Crafts (Sept. 6–7), and the Step Up for Better Health 5K/walk (Oct. 19). Several events carried standard conditions: proof of insurance, payment for estimated DPW staff/material costs prior to permit issuance, and required permits for alcohol sales where applicable.

- Halloween trick-or-treat: Trustees set the village’s 2025 trick-or-treat observance for Sunday, Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Each of the above items was introduced in committee or by staff, opened for public comment where applicable, and approved by roll-call vote during the meeting.

Details and context

The squad-camera purchase was brought forward by the Finance Committee as the second phase of a department-wide camera upgrade after the police department replaced officer body cameras in 2024. Police leadership said the 2017 squad systems reached end of life and the new systems integrate with body-worn cameras; the board noted the purchase is budgeted and that cameras transfer between vehicles.

The fire department’s cutter is a battery-powered tool intended to replace older, hose-powered equipment. Fire leadership told trustees compatibility with existing battery platforms was a cost-saving benefit.

Most special-event permits were routine and had prior review by the village manager, police chief and DPW. Petalooza’s estimated village cost was $964.04 (DPW staff time and materials); Community Safety Day’s estimate was $643.14 (overtime and materials). The Run for Greendale Parks & Trails application noted the sponsor had paid estimated fees of $510.84.

Roll-call outcomes

All item approvals passed by roll-call vote. Where abstentions were recorded, the meeting minutes show them (for example, one abstention was recorded on the Petalooza permit). Detailed roll-call transcripts and the permissive conditions are included in the village packet and the official minutes.

What trustees said

Trustee remarks on the agenda items noted public safety benefits and fiscal planning: the camera systems were described as essential for accountability and to limit litigation risk; the cutter was described as lighter, faster and more interoperable with other battery-powered equipment.

Next steps

Vendors and event organizers were instructed to supply insurance certificates and pay estimated village fees where required before permit issuance. The police department will finalize installation scheduling for the squad-camera systems.