City Council invests in Crisis Response program, more infrastructure improvements
Decatur, IL – Highlights from the August 1, 2022 Decatur City Council meeting include an investment in a Crisis Response program in partnership with the Child 1st Center and Macon County HEALS, and an agreement for more infrastructure improvements.
Crisis Response Program
The Decatur City Council on Monday approved a resolution authorizing assistance for a Crisis Response program that is intended to improve healing for victims of violent crimes. The Decatur Police Department (DPD) is partnering with the Child 1st Center and their Macon County HEALS program to expedite access to healing services.
“By enhancing our partnership with Macon County HEALS, we hope to better connect those suffering from the trauma of violent crimes with the services they need to deal with their experiences in a healthy way,” said Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel. “In the long term, this can reduce further trauma, victimization, and/or instances of criminality later in their lives.”
Macon County HEALS has been working with DPD to develop this program where staff would be able to respond to certain calls with DPD following a violent crime. This would allow for a more immediate response to start working with families/individuals. Current processes rely on referrals to HEALS, which delays the connection between the crisis work and the victims.
Crisis workers can now provide for the immediate emotional and practical needs of the victims and families while they are at the peak of their trauma. HEALS responders can develop safety plans, make connections with other family members, assist in finding appropriate accommodations, and offer services and information to victims of trauma.
Funding assistance from the City of Decatur comes from American Rescue Plan (ARP) monies. The Crisis Response program is also being supported by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois, the
Ballance Foundation, and the Illinois Attorney General Office through the Violent Crimes Victims Assistance Act (VCVA).
Infrastructure Improvements
In another move to improve the City’s infrastructure, the City Council agreed to a contract with Culy Contracting, LLC to rehabilitate a number of deteriorated manholes within the City. The 2022 Manhole Rehabilitation Project will include lining approximately 608 vertical feet to rehabilitate 69 brick manholes.
The City has over 7,400 manholes within its sanitary sewer collection system. Historically, manholes were constructed of bricks which have deteriorated over the past 50-100 years. This project will repair structural deficiencies with minimum disruption to service, disturbance to the surface, and budget impact. This work will decrease the amount of ground water infiltration into the system and reduce operation and maintenance costs. This is an annual major maintenance project for the City of Decatur sewer system.
More information about these topics can be found in the City Council Agenda packet, downloadable/viewable here: www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/
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