The Chicago Tribune recently featured an article following up on a prior post regarding the controversial decision made in Des Plaines to cancel the purchase of an ambulance that had initially been approved.
A few weeks back, the leadership in Des Plaines decided against purchasing the ambulance, a move that has sparked significant interest among some city officials. Specifically, three aldermen—Patricia Haugeberg, Dick Sayad, and Jim Brookman—are requesting either the Illinois Attorney General's office or an independent legal team to review the legality of this decision. These aldermen have expressed their intention to bring up this issue during the upcoming City Council meeting, as indicated by city documents.
The initial resolution to approve the ambulance purchase was passed in a 5-3 vote at the March 3rd City Council meeting. However, just two weeks later, at the March 17th meeting, a new resolution aimed at reversing that decision was approved. This time, it was Mayor Matt Bogusz who cast the deciding vote in a tied 4-4 scenario.
The original decision to approve the ambulance purchase was met with extensive discussion surrounding the placement of its exhaust system. The debate centered around whether the exhaust pipe should be placed horizontally under the chassis or vertically above it. Brookman, a former Des Plaines firefighter, argued passionately for the vertical system, citing concerns over the potential health risks posed by idling ambulances exposing both firefighters and patients to harmful exhaust fumes. Interestingly, the city's own fire chief, Alan Wax, did not share these concerns, stating that current practices already mitigate such risks.
Mayor Bogusz, when introducing the motion to revoke the earlier decision, remarked that the council seemed to be seeking out problems where none existed. He emphasized that choosing an ambulance equipped with a vertical exhaust system was both unwarranted and outside the council's jurisdiction. "This isn't a policy issue," Bogusz stated during the March 17th meeting, as captured in the video footage available on the city's official website. "This is more of an operational matter. We need to focus on staying true to our core policies."
As I reflect on this situation, it seems clear that there are differing perspectives within the council regarding how best to manage resources and prioritize safety measures. While one side advocates for what they perceive as necessary precautions, others feel that existing protocols adequately address any risks involved. Regardless of the outcome, this episode highlights the complexities inherent in municipal governance and the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition.
Thanks for sharing this story, Dan. It really underscores the importance of open dialogue and thorough deliberation when making decisions that impact public safety and fiscal responsibility.
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