The Gallagher family was recognized for their contribution to the Breese Police Department drone program. Pictured are, FROM LEFT, Mayor Kevin Timmermann, Police Chief Mark Berndsen, Don Gallagher, Phyllis Gallagher and Lisa Gallagher. A trio of Breese residents were recognized for their contributions to the police department drone program during the Breese City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 16.
Don, Lisa and Phyllis Gallagher donated $5,000 to the drone program. Breese Police Chief Mark Berndsen presented them with a certificate during the meeting.
"I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation to the drone program," Berndsen said.
The police department drone got lost during a search in high water. The drone hit a tree limb and came down. The donation will allow the police department to continue to provide state-of-the-art services to the citizens of Breese and the surrounding areas.
The contribution strengthens the Breese Police Department's ability to continue to utilize advanced technology in critical situations including locating missing persons, assisting in search operations and enhancing public safety efforts.
"We are deeply appreciative of your generosity and commitment to supporting the Breese Police Department," Berndsen said. "Your donation will have a lasting impact for our ability to serve and protect the community."
Don said his family didn't give the contribution for recognition. They did it because they love the city of Breese. They want the police to have everything they can.
"If you want to get a second drone or something else, we would be glad to help you, because two is always better than one," Don said.
During the finance portion of the meeting, the council approved the purchase of a multi-purpose vehicle. The council approved an ordinance authorizing the city to issue electric revenue bonds that are expected to be paid from the net revenue of the city's electric system in an amount not to exceed $17 million for the purpose of paying the costs of financing various capital improvements to the electric system including, but not limited to, the building of a new electricity substation within and for the city.
During the utilities portion of the meeting, the council approved an ordinance amending Article III, Division II, Section 38-3-10 of the municipal code to provide billing rates for satellite users for water.
The council approved a one-year contract with St. Rose Water District effective July 1.
A motion to waive competitive bidding for the demolition of a grain elevator located at 700 North First Street was approved. The city purchased the property earlier this year. The council approved a contract with Litteken Construction in the amount of $132,900 for the demolition of the grain elevator.
A resolution approving the city to execute an agreement for purchase of property on Mine Street was tabled.
During the zoning portion of the meeting, the council approved an ordinance amending zoning classification of an 11.73 acre parcel located on Holy Cross Lane from R-3 to R-1. There was a zoning board hearing on June 18 for a variance for Janice Hemann, 98 N. Main Street.
The council approved a resolution in support of the Illinois America250 commemoration.
Breese Mayor Kevin Timmermann encouraged councilmen to get trained in National Incident Management System to prepare for how to set up a command center in case of bad weather. There is NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800. The training can be done online.
"You don't think it's anything, but then something happens and you are sitting here thinking 'OK, I wish I would have known that,'" Timmermann said.
