Council authorizes renewal of fire reporting software and approves new council laptops

The Pekin City Council on June 8 approved two technology items on the consent and new‑business calendar: a contract renewal for ImageTrend, the fire department’s reporting software, and a purchase of Microsoft Surface laptops to replace council iPads.

The council adopted Resolution 438‑2627 to renew the ImageTrend contract. Fire Chief Ree described the system as the department’s repository for mandated reporting, incident records and patient‑care data used for state reporting and internal analysis. "Good information put in, good information out," Chief Ree said, asking for the council’s support. The resolution passed unanimously (7‑0).

Council also approved Resolution 439‑26/27 to purchase Surface laptops and repurpose existing iPads for the solid waste department. Staff said devices were procured through a cooperative purchasing contract and that data from members’ tablets would be transferred to the new laptops; IT staff (Dave Hess) was available to confirm data‑transfer plans. Council members described the purchase as necessary to resolve compatibility and email issues experienced with the current tablet system. The motion passed 7‑0.

Both actions were presented as routine renewals and equipment upgrades; council did not attach additional conditions to either approval at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 44052627 (TIF for 513 Court Street) — approved 5‑2. Resolution 438‑2627 (ImageTrend contract) — approved 7‑0. Resolution 439‑26/27 (council laptops) — approved 7‑0. The council moved into executive session after the approvals and did not expect a vote on personnel matters afterward.