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City of Loves Park honors fire chief Phil Foley
By Margaret Downing
Reporter
LOVES PARK – Mayor Darryl Lindberg and aldermen honored Fire Chief Phil Foley for 50 years of dedicated service at the Nov. 2 Loves Park City Council meeting, the mayor claiming the week of Nov. 2-8 as “Fire Chief Phil Foley Appreciation Week.”
Foley was also recognized for the day (Nov. 2) as being his 71st birthday, which means Foley joined the department on his 21st birthday in 1965.
Chief Foley explained that he was born in downstate Alton, Ill. after which his father, who was in the military, was transferred to Cheyenne, Wyoming. When Foley was about 11 years old the family moved to Loves Park, where Foley graduated from Harlem High School.
Mayor Lindberg noted how Foley is “a tireless advocate for fire safety,” and how much the city appreciates Foley service and dedication over the years and appreciates all the city’s firefighters for their all out group efforts.
Many volunteer hours are out in by department members. Just one recent example is the annual “Fireman’s Association All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast,” which was held Nov. 1 in the city hall complex. A total of 243 man-hours went into the effort.
In other business, Alderman Clint Little gave the weekly police activity report for the week of Oct. 25-31. There were 592 calls for service received, 193 arrests made, and nine accidents reported.
On the weekly fire department report dated Nov. 1, one false fire alarm call, one carbon monoxide or gas leak call, one wires down call, and three smoke or odor investigation calls were received.
A total of $78,455.93 in water fund bills, and $114,551.86 in general fund and all other bills, as presented Oct. 26, were approved for payment.
An ordinance, first and second readings, was approved amending a section of the city’s code of ordinances to modify the time for holding city council meetings was okayed. In other words, the council voted to approve a change in the start of the weekly city council meetings, effective Nov. 9. The council will now meet at 6 p.m. instead of 6:15 p.m.
Lindberg also announced that the city hall gymnasium would once again host the annual “Tribute to Veterans” on Nov. 11 with former Police Chief Jim Puckett, who served in the Marines in Vietnam, stepping in as keynote speaker at the event.
A resolution was passed authorizing release of Executive Session Minutes from May 18 and August 24.
A resolution was approved “allowing the City of Loves Park to continue participation in the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association for city property, worker’s compensation and liability insurance for the year 2016 – and to participate in the IML Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Program.” Cost if paid by Nov. 20 is $465,715.80 in order for the city to receive a $4,704.20 early pay discount.
Another resolution, authorizing a Collective Bargaining Agreement between IUOE Local 150 and the City of Loves Park was approved, with Lindberg giving kudos to those who worked on the bargaining agreement and to City Clerk Bob Burden for the time he put into the effort.
A resolution urging Illinois State leaders “to release non-general fund revenues payable to local governments” was passed.
An ordinance was passed authorizing the sale of “certain surplus personal property of the City of Loves Park.”
Margaret Downing photo
Fire Chief Phil Foley, right, was honored by the Loves Park City Council at its Nov. 2 meeting. Foley has faithfully served in the city’s fire department for 50 years.
