By Stephanie Irvine
The Manhattan Fire Protection District was called to a structural fire that required a full-still additional personnel activation in Peotone on July 10. The fire, which occurred at a West Street residence within Peotone village limits, was contained to the kitchen and extinguished within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) 19 is investigating the cause of the fire.
Then at the July 15 Manhattan Fire Protection Board Meeting, Battalion Chief Bruce Boyle led the meeting in Chief Steve Malone’s absence.
Boyle reported MABAS requested the district provide a technical rescue team to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, before the convention, to provide additional support. Both Malone and Boyle will be in attendance to manage the team. Boyle reported the City of Chicago contacted MABAS and all area fire departments to support that effort. The fire district will be reimbursed for their support.
The fire district has begun planning for the Will County Fair. Additionally, the district is working with the Village of Manhattan to create an emergency plan for future special events.
The district is working with the county to ensure fire safety requirements are met for future solar farms. There are 11 proposed solar farms but only one moving forward at this time.
At the meeting, two business action items were approved: A PBS lockbox for the secure transfer of documents and a union agreement.
The union agreement stipulates the board and union will meet within 30 days to come to terms regarding personnel employment. The letter of agreement allows the union and non-union fire department entities to agree to and plan impending employment changes.
In January 2025, a union member of the fire department will be moving to the non-union fire prevention bureau. Last month, part-time firefighter David Blanton was hired for a full-time union position. These changes allow the department to continue with the same number of union firefighters following the January 2025 non-union transfer.
In other news, the new fire station in Manhattan is moving forward, though the budget will be amended as they will not yet be spending money on construction in the 2024 year. It will be pushed out to spring 2025. The district is changing the type and configuration of the new building so it will have better engineering ratings for wind among other parameters.
Additionally, wetland reports likely will impact how the property can be used and may require a shift in the size and location of a retention pond. The district still is reviewing and planning.
The remodel of the Peotone Fire Station is very close to being finished. Boyle reported they completed a walk-through and have a punch list of minor items to complete before they can obtain occupancy. Hardware for some of the doors was delayed, and they are finishing sprinkler system work, which is anticipated to be complete in the next two weeks.
“Once the sprinkler system is complete, then we’ll do a life safety inspection. Little things, nothing real big,” said Boyle, of what’s left to complete.
Boyle also reported Station 82 is showing some building deterioration expected for its age, including gutters and soffits that need replacement. The building will need to be painted in the next year.
To ensure timely replacement, the district is evaluating replacement apparatus plan timing.
Regarding finances, the 2023 audit has started, and the Peotone 2022 audit is pending close-out. The district is working on an asset study to be completed in August.
Appearing virtually, district accountant James Howard provided the six-month review of the district’s finances. Overall, the district was in good shape, on track for this time of the year, and had nothing remarkable to report.
“We’re making good progress with dispatch on answering times,” Boyle reported. He also explained the district is working with Laraway Communications Center to standardize how calls go out to the stations so they are all the same. Once standardized, they can better evaluate responses, identify issues, and make improvements.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.