The Macomb City Council heard quarterly reports Tuesday showing robust activity across all city departments from August through October.
Fire Chief Dan Meyer reported 570 emergency calls, including 10 fire responses. During Fire Prevention Month, firefighters visited 14 schools and businesses, reaching more than 800 students. The department completed nearly 1,700 training hours and installed 84 smoke alarms in homes.
'I appreciate that you're making homes safer,' Alderman John Vigezzi said.
Downtown continues thriving with a 95% business occupancy rate and only four vacant spaces, Downtown Development and Marketing Director Savannah Ballard reported. The downtown hosted 726 community events, and business owners contributed $27,000 for improvements. The Macomb Beautiful Association donated funding for downtown alley lighting.
'The occupancy rate is remarkable for an older downtown,' Vigezzi said.
City Grant Writer Jessica Biddenstadt secured $12.5 million through 23 implemented grants, with five applications totaling $3.7 million still pending.
Community Development Director Miranda Lambert reported major housing improvements: 10 substandard homes demolished through state grants, with funding secured to demolish six to eight more. Rehabilitation grants improved 32 homes in the Macomb East Side Tax Increment Finance District. Thorpe Memorial Park will open next spring.
Lambert's department conducted 253 rental inspections and issued 304 code violations, including 93 for refuse accumulation and 86 for tall grass. The department collected $25,562 in permit fees for $3.7 million in construction projects.
Lambert leaves for a similar position in Decatur at month's end.
'Thank you for your service,' Alderman Justin Shuch said.
Police Chief Jeff Hamer reported 4,307 service calls and 354 arrests. The department collected $25,900 in impoundment fees from 25 vehicles, auctioning nine. Officers deployed the K-9 unit eight times and reviewed more than 250 hours of squad car and body camera footage.
A new video server will handle the increased footage volume. Officers now file electronic tickets sent directly to city hall and the courthouse, while cited individuals receive paper copies.
The department solved a major case involving 12 to 15 vehicle burglaries, arresting a juvenile suspect.
Hamer announced Renata Sturlic's promotion to sergeant and named Troy Shoudel operations commander. When Hamer retires Dec. 12, Lieutenant Todd Tedrow will serve as interim chief.
City Attorney Lisa Scalf handled 306 ordinance violation cases, collecting $33,285 in fines, and processed 152 Freedom of Information Act requests, mostly for police records.
Finance Director Melissa Worley sent 16,623 bills to customers. The city's largest clients are Western Illinois University, Colchester and NTN Bower. Macomb paid $4.2 million in bills and employs 119 full-time and 44 part-time workers.
Transit Director CallaBria Putrino reported 61,000 bus riders and 3,500 van riders. Eight vehicles operate during peak times. Three new buses have been purchased, plus a fourth for parts. Bus cameras will be installed early next year.
