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Belvidere council accepts K-9 donations, approves mutual‑aid vehicle and scheduling software
Summary
At its July 28 Committee of the Whole meeting the Belvidere council accepted $1,125 in donations for the police K-9 program, approved a mutual‑aid vehicle agreement with ILEAS for a UTV and trailer, and purchased InTime scheduling software (first‑year cost $5,500 from the DUI fund).
Deputy Chief Smaha told the council the police department is “understaffed by 5 officers” and is actively recruiting, with about 10 applications in the last three weeks and recruits attending the Sauk Valley Basic Academy with an Aug. 21 graduation.
Smaha asked the council to accept previously received gifts to the department’s K‑9 program, and read a memo listing Affordable Water ($1,000), Beverly Ballantine ($100) and William Wentink ($25). Alderman Peterson moved to accept the donations, Alderman Stevens seconded, and the council approved the motion by voice vote. Council members asked about disclosure thresholds and donor acknowledgement; Smaha said a letter of recognition is sent and that smaller donations below the reporting threshold will not be routinely shown on the council agenda unless requested.
Council then considered a vehicle agreement with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) to house a 2025 Kawasaki Mule UTV and a 2026 Aluma 14‑foot tilt trailer locally as part of a mutual‑aid equipment pool. Smaha said the vehicle could be used for parades, special events, critical incidents, missing‑person searches and to transport personnel on some scenes; either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days’ written notice. The council voted to approve the agreement by voice vote.
Finally, the council approved a purchase of the InTime scheduling software and service agreement. The first‑year implementation and training fee is $5,500 (to be paid from the DUI fund), with a subsequent annual fee of $4,600. Staff told the council the $5,500 covers implementation and training and that no additional implementation fees are anticipated; council approved the purchase by voice vote.
The actions will allow the police department to update staffing tools, accept community support for its K‑9 program and participate in the ILEAS mutual‑aid equipment pool.
