City puts $ toward fire, police

Portland has voted to appropriate nearly $200,000 of coronavirus relief funds.

City council met Monday and approved a resolution sending $138,749.75 to Portland’s police department to upgrade its radio system and $41,285.69 to the fire department for new equipment.

New equipment for the fire department includes upgraded thermal imaging equipment, mobile tablets for the fire trucks and three stocked treatment bags for Jay Emergency Medical Service.

Map applications and an up-to-date contact list for local businesses and residents will be the main functions of the tablets, fire chief Mike Weitzel said. Currently, contact information is kept on paper at the fire station, he added.

In total, Portland received $197,400 from the federal coronavirus aid, relief and economic security (CARES) Act to use for public safety or payroll expenses, the only items it can be used for according to city clerk treasurer Lori Phillips.

Phillips explained to council that, since payroll has already been accounted for in the budget, the money should go toward public safety.

Council agreed and voted to transfer the remaining $17,384 of the CARES Act money to the general fund with the understanding it is to eventually be used for public safety.

Newly appropriated funds completely cover Portland police chief Josh Stephenson’s plan to upgrade the department’s radios from analog to a digital network.

Portland Board of Works already approved a contract with Fort Wayne’s ERS Wireless in December for the purchase of new Motorola radios, which can be used in the station, in vehicles or on foot by officers.

In other business, council members Don Gillespie, Matt Goldsworthy, Janet Powers, Michele Brewster, Dave Golden, Kent McClung and Mike Aker:

•Heard from Portland Mayor John Boggs that the city will need to find five new parking spots for police vehicles after Tim Miller told him he will not renew a contract with the city to allow the department to park behind his business, T.J.’s Bicycle and Moped Sales and Services, which is adjacent to city hall. To solve this parking conundrum, Boggs said the city is exploring expanding the parking lot owned by Dru Halls Properties LLC behind city hall from 15 spots to 20.

•Approved a $378 pay request from Jones & Henry Engineers for costs relating to design of a new screw press for the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

•Paid $859,431.18 in claims.