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Robbins discusses homeland-security training, cameras and donations; chief proposes village-based training office
Summary
Chief Sheppard proposed using an intergovernmental agreement and homeland-security funding to establish a village training office, an outdoor range and regional requalification resources; trustees referred the item to the Public Safety committee. Residents raised concerns about a denied building permit and reported gunfire that police described as fireworks.
The Robbins Board of Trustees spent part of its Jan. 25 meeting on public-safety matters, including a homeland-security proposal from Chief Sheppard and updates on cameras, recruitment and donated equipment.
Chief Sheppard said he had reached out to John Howard and that an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) could allow Robbins to access homeland-security funding. He described a two-stage concept: first, non-lethal training and requalification (including firing projectiles such as pepper-spray projectiles for temporary immobilization), and second, housing a regional office in Robbins with an outdoor range that could be used for requalification training and possibly generate revenue by serving neighboring jurisdictions. The mayor requested that the proposal be sent to the Public Safety committee for further consideration.
Trustee Tiffany S. Robinson also updated trustees on camera programs (360 and Flock cameras) and streetlight location coordination with the electrical inspector. Deputy Chief Malley reported 1,677 incidents last year and said six new applications were received for positions with three background checks completed. The minutes record donations: Rosemont donated a tower-ladder fire truck and Palos Heights donated items for the truck; the department had provided dual response support with Merrionette Park in October.
During public comment, Dr. Darden said he had been denied a building permit and asked for a formal explanation, saying he felt he had been treated unfairly; Mayor Bryant said there would be “a response, deeper than what's on surface.” Residents Ms. Rhodes and Ms. Fulson reported hearing gunshots near the meeting time; Chief Sheppard stated the sounds were fireworks. Other public commenters described plans for a village pantry and asked questions about training costs and EPA funding for water infrastructure.
The board did not take action to adopt the homeland-security proposal during the meeting; trustees agreed to send the item to the Public Safety committee for additional review.
