Fire Sales Approved, Strategic Plan Forward

Introduction

On December 5, 2022, the St. Charles Government Operations Committee convened to discuss several critical city matters. Key topics included fire department operations, sales of aging fire apparatus, the 2022 property tax levy for Special Service Areas (SSAs), and the City of St. Charles Strategic Plan 2023.

Fire Ops 101 Program Highlights

The meeting began with a presentation on the Fire Ops 101 Program by Lieutenant Steve Reeck and Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Gleason. This program provides elected officials and community leaders with hands-on experience in fire attack, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical procedures.

The session also showcased specialty teams, including Technical Rescue, HazMat, Dive, and Fire Investigation, highlighting the volunteer time staff dedicate to these operations. The program’s goal is to deepen officials’ understanding of fire department resources to inform future decisions.

Approval of Fire Apparatus Sales

1997 Seagrave 100-Foot Aerial Ladder

The committee approved the sale of a 1997 Seagrave ladder truck to the City of Batavia for $55,000.

• The vehicle had served nearly 25 years.

• Batavia faced equipment challenges, and acquiring this truck would reduce response times for mutual aid calls.

• The sale ensures continued community safety and proper utilization of aging assets.

2001 Seagrave 1500 GPM Fire Engine

Similarly, the committee approved selling a 2001 Seagrave engine to the Village of Broadview for $20,000.

• The engine had been previously auctioned without success.

• Broadview urgently needed a replacement due to their reserve engine being condemned.

• This sale provided a timely solution and a positive return for St. Charles.

Both sales will now proceed to the City Council for final approval.

2022 Property Tax Levy for Special Service Areas (SSAs)

The committee reviewed the recommended property tax levy for nine SSAs covering maintenance, parking, and business support initiatives.

• Most proposed levies remained consistent with the prior year.

• No separate public hearing was required as increases were under 5%.

• Council members suggested updating the SSA 1B “revitalization” language to reflect downtown's current status.

The levy discussion will move to the December 19 City Council meeting for specific approval.

City of St. Charles Strategic Plan 2023

The committee reviewed the Strategic Plan 2023, presented by Economic Development Director Derek and consultant Shannon Flowers.

Plan Overview

• Mission: “We provide exceptional services, honor tradition, and foster a thriving community.”

• Vision: “A Community with a sense of place and belonging where everyone is welcome.”

• Guiding Principles: Excellence, Engagement and Inclusion, Sustainability and Resilience, Respect, Sense of Community, Stewardship and Accountability.

• Strategic Priorities: Balanced development, community engagement, organizational resiliency, financial wellness.

Next Steps

Upon adoption by City Council:

• Staff will develop an objectives crosswalk.

• An implementation action plan will be created.

• An annual reporting template will measure progress toward strategic goals.

Public Comment

Citizen Tom Anderson commended the St. Charles Business Alliance and highlighted SSA improvements, particularly in the downtown area. Public comments were brief, consistent with the city’s procedural norms.

Conclusion

The December 5 Government Operations Committee Meeting reflected St. Charles’ commitment to community safety, financial prudence, and strategic planning. Approving fire apparatus sales ensures functional emergency resources, while the upcoming Strategic Plan 2023 provides a roadmap for sustainable growth and engaged civic development.