Batavia considers putting ESDA under fire chief

A city council committee recommended this week that the ESDA be overseen by the fire chief. The suggestion has sparked some debate among local officials and community members.

Jeff Glaser, the current ESDA director, has expressed strong opposition to the plan. He has been leading the agency for 35 years as a part-time employee, while the rest of the team consists of volunteers. Glaser has served under the mayor’s appointment and reports directly to them.

Council member McGrath argues that the town has changed significantly over the years. With a growing population and a more professional fire department—now handling fewer actual fires—McGrath believes the ESDA needs stronger leadership. He said the mayor lacks the time and expertise required to manage the agency effectively. Instead, he suggested that the ESDA director should be supervised daily, follow city fiscal policies, and be held accountable for performance.

Under the proposed structure, the fire chief would serve as the ESDA coordinator, with an ESDA manager reporting to him. Volunteers would then report to the manager. Whether the ESDA manager is a paid employee would be decided by the city council. Notably, the 2013 budget does not include funding for a full-time ESDA worker, unlike previous years, which allocated $10,000. The total ESDA budget for 2013 is $29,183, with $17,000 set aside for installing a tornado siren near Louise White Elementary School.

Schielke, another council member, supports the change, believing it could help ESDA gain accreditation from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. State accreditation would open the door to federal grants and allow the agency to purchase new equipment. Currently, two of ESDA's vehicles are over 60 years old, and the last new vehicle acquired was a Jeep Cherokee in 1995, still in use today.

ESDA is responsible for maintaining the city’s outdoor warning sirens and assisting during emergencies such as fires, traffic accidents, and large public events like the July 4th fireworks display. They also provide lighting for rescues, operate three boats for water and ice rescues, and maintain an ambulance. One of the old Army trucks has been modified for grass fire suppression. Additionally, ESDA manages the city’s disaster supplies and oversees the city hall shelter during emergencies.