Regular Meeting
Perry Township Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
February 21, 2012 7:00pm
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Excused absence: None.
Additions/Deletions to Agenda: None.
Public Hearings/Invited Guests:
Step II Grievance Hearing- Officer Bardnell
Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Hall to outline what the Board’s obligations are regarding the scheduled step II grievance hearing for Officer Bardnell. Mr. Hall stated that Chief Pomesky has already had a first level administrative grievance hearing and has rendered discipline. The Board will receive a statement from Chief Pomesky regarding the discipline. The Board will either have to affirm, reverse or modify in some fashion Chief Pomesky’s recommendation.
Trustee Chessler stated that today there was an email communication from Officer Bardnell’s representative and inquired if there was a copy of that email for the record. Mr. Hall stated that he will get a copy of the email for the record and noted that he received a facsimile from Attorney Charles Wilson, FOP Business Agent indicating that Officer Bardnell has waived her right to a formal hearing. Pending the decision that the Board makes the union and Officer Bardnell will determine whether or not to accept the Board’s recommendation or move forward to arbitration.
Trustee Chessler noted that this hearing was scheduled for the step II grievance which means that the allegations have been served upon the grievant. There has been an opportunity at the department level to discuss that. Trustee Chessler confirmed that has taken place. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler stated that this matter comes to the Board this evening with notification in advance with the opportunity to be heard. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler confirmed that the representative of the grievant has indicated that they will not be appearing tonight and no one appearing on behalf of the grievant has identified themselves. Trustee Chessler asked Chief Pomesky with the assistance of Mr. Hall to proceed with the evidence.
Chief Pomesky stated that the grievance was filed based on Article 17 Section 17.1 regarding Discipline. For the sake of the case, multiple counts have been combined into one and treated as a continuous course of action for that time period. On October 4, 2010 the individual was scheduled to hold a community policing meeting at 1800 hours at the Police Station. Inevitably, that individual reported off for the meeting and the meeting was rescheduled for November 29. That meeting was then rescheduled for November 22 because the individual’s daughter was going to be in town that weekend. November 22 came around and again that individual called off. The November 22 meeting was rescheduled for December 6 at 1800 hours. On December 6, that individual spoke with Sergeant Guist and was directed to speak with the Deputy Chief. That individual was asked to report for the meeting in lieu of that conversation going any further and again they reported off for the meeting. On December 20 the community policing meeting was rescheduled for a fifth time. Chief Pomesky stated that on the fifth time, the individual did show up however based on the three (3) hour work rule they had the individual stay for that three (3) hour time period. This individual left within a half hour without supervision giving any permission to do so.
Chief Pomesky stated that count two (2) stemmed from December 15, 2010 where an allegation was made that he inappropriately made an inquiry about a medical condition of the employee. An investigation was conducted into that matter where Chief Pomesky was cleared of any wrong doing. During that investigation, the individual who made the allegations at that time failed to participate in the investigation and answer any questions. On December 17, after Chief Pomesky had already been cleared of that investigation a grievance was filed alleging again that he had violated department policy by making an inappropriate inquiry into a medical condition. Chief Pomesky stated that those actions regarding the community policing meeting as well as the medical condition at that time were in violation of Conduct 6 and 7.
Chief Pomesky stated that count three (3) occurred on December 23 of that year. There was a discussion amongst the Deputy Chief and that Officer for her to return to the road to patrol the streets of Perry Township during that time period. That individual had been on station for over an hour and her car had been idle at that time with no patrol being done in the Township. The individual immediately left and went to Township Hall to file a complaint. In doing so, that individual did not follow the chain of command within the Police Department. This is a violation of Conduct 6 and 7. The only reason that these actions were held was based on the recommendation of the legal department pending an EEOC complaint at that time. That case had not progressed and these issues needed addressed so they are being addressed at this point this year. At no time was the discipline going to be dropped and in review of the grievance they are citing three (3) counts of the issue. There are a total of eight (8). This is being treated as a continuous course of conduct as opposed to progression. Article 17 Section 17.1 Progressive Discipline only offers five (5) steps until discharge. Chief Pomesky stated that they have incorporated eight (8) and treated it as a continuous course of conduct which was serious in nature and issued a five (5) day suspension. Trustee Chessler inquired if that has been imposed. Chief Pomesky stated that it has been served.
Mr. Hall asked that the record reflect that these charges and the allegations were discussed with both Officer Bardnell and her union business agent Charles Wilson on December 23, 2010 and again the first week of January 2011. Shortly after that, Officer Bardnell filed an EEOC complaint. Upon advice from legal council this matter was not pushed forward pending determination of the EEOC complaint. Mr. Hall stated that their recommendation is that those are usually resolved within sixty (60) days. Unfortunately, the EEOC misfiled and lost that file but it has resurfaced here recently. Insurance Council Gregory Beck and Mr. Hall met with the union and Chief Pomesky who recommended that this matter needs to be cleared off the books. Mr. Hall asked that the record reflect that this matter was addressed with the Officer and her union representative on December 23, 2010 and January 2011. The reason it has taken so long to come to culmination is because it was pending the EEOC matter. Chief Pomesky presented the Board with a copy of the outline as well has the facsimile. Mr. Hall suggested putting a clean copy of the actual charges into the record which was given to Mr. Schlegel. If the Board has any questions they should be directed to Chief Pomesky as the Department Head. Trustee Chessler noted that the document dated January 25, 2012 on Perry Township communication letterhead is the document which refers to the charges. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler offered that to Mr. Schlegel. There is also a facsimile transmission cover sheet with a letter dated February 21, 2012 to Mr. Hall, Law Director from the staff representative of the FOP. Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Hall to confirm that was the letter that he received. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler stated the facsimile was transmitted today at 2:07pm. Mr. Hall stated that was correct. Trustee Chessler inquired if there were any other statements of evidence in support of the charges that have been read tonight.
Trustee Chessler noted that it was now 7:10pm and there was nobody appearing on behalf of the grievant; directly or through representation. Trustee Chessler inquired if there was anything else that the Board should include in the record tonight in regards to the grievance hearing. Mr. Hall stated only if the Board has any questions for Chief Pomesky or Deputy Chief Carbenia regarding the facts or recommendations. Hearing or seeing none.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board in this level of grievance adopt, affirm and ratify the findings of Chief Pomesky as to the grievance collectively and individually; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
Trustee Chessler inquired if the motion made was satisfactory to comply with the Board’s obligations. Mr. Hall stated that it was satisfactory.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Communications: None.
Public Speaks on items up for Board Approval: None.
Township Business requiring Board Action:
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Fiscal Officer:
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 14, 2012 Work Session; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Trustee Chessler made a motion to approve bills in the amount of $108,823.53 for the week ending February 21, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Administration:
Consider Conservation Appropriations- Stark Soil and Water Conservation District $5,000.00
Trustee Chessler stated that this item is one that the Board reviews annually as they are bound by the terms of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to live up to certain duties and responsibilities. The Township does not have the staffing or the resources to conduct those so Perry Township has entered into an agreement with Stark Soil and Water Conservation District to perform those functions. Part of that includes the completion of the small MS-4 Annual Report. There are some requirements that go along with this agreement which has worked out well so far. The Board is faced with the question of whether or not to renew this agreement which comes at an annual cost of $5,000.00. The invoice includes pre and post inspections for Perry Township from January 1, 2011 to January 10, 2012 with a total of seventy-nine (79) site inspections. Trustee Chessler asked Administrator Fetzer if there was anything else that should be noted in the record regarding this matter. Administrator Fetzer stated that measure #4 is in reference to construction site “Storm Water Run Off” and measure #5 is “Post Construction Storm Water Management” in new development and re-development.
Trustee Chessler inquired if there were any questions or discussion. Trustee Laubacher stated that it would cost the Township a lot more than $5,000.00 to have someone on staff to be able to have the authority that Julie Berbari has. It is difficult in these days to be able to afford $5,000.00 for this service but at the same time Ms. Berbari has the authority to be able to tell different land owners to clean up their properties. Mr. Masalko stated that they will not be able to use the Stark County Health Department because they no longer have that program. Stark Soil and Water Conservation District hired a former employee of the Health Department whom was laid off and will be able to help the Township with those duties.
Trustee Laubacher made a motion that the Board authorize the payment of $5,000.00 to the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District for the NPDES report and related services which needs to be turned into the EPA by April 1, 2012; Seconded by Trustee Chessler.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Fire Department:
Consider Purchase of Pulse Oximeters
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider the purchase of four (4) BCI model 3301 pulse oximeters in protective cases from Southeastern Emergency Medical at a total cost not to exceed $2,111.00. The purchase essentially will not cost the Township anything as these are being purchased with a 100% reimbursable grant. The pulse oximeters are a hand held device that allows medics to measure the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood through their finger nail. The Fire Department’s current pulse oximeters are approximately ten (10) years old and like any other piece of technology they are beginning to malfunction. Chief Martin provided the Board with three (3) quotes and Southeastern Medical Equipment was the lowest at $2,111.00. As soon as the purchase is made the Fire Department will send the State of Ohio the receipt and they will reimburse the Township at 100%.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the purchase of four (4) BCI model 3301 pulse oximeters and protective cases from Southeastern Emergency Medical Equipment at a total cost not to exceed $2,111.00 that will be paid for by the Township subject to full reimbursement; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Purchase of SCBA Face Pieces with Heads- Up Displays
Chief Martin asked the Board to consider the purchase of eight (8) medium MSA SCBA masks with HUD (heads up display) indicators from Fire Force, Inc. for a cost not to exceed $4,490.00. As outlined in the Administrative Code the Fire Department is required to make sure that every employee that enters the hazard zone is wearing a properly fitted SCBA mask. At this point and time the Fire Department is short in medium masks. Chief Martin stated that there are only two (2) companies in the area that carry MSA’s; Fire Force Inc. and Fire Safety Services. The quotes were close but the Fire Department is recommending Fire Force Inc. as they were the lowest quote of the two.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize the purchase of eight (8) medium MSA SCBA masks with HUD indicators from Fire Force, Inc. at a total cost not to exceed $4,490.00; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Police Department:
Recognition of Detective Barker- Stark County Community Officer of the Year
The Board presented Detective Matt Barker with a certificate of achievement for being the 2012 Stark County Community Officer of the Year. Trustee Chessler stated that Detective Barker was recognized at this year’s Crime Prevention Breakfast which is sponsored by the Exchange Club. Detective Barker thanked the Board for presenting him with the certificate of achievement and thanked Chief Pomesky for his continued support and providing the resources necessary. Detective Barker stated that it has been a privilege to serve in this community for the past eleven (11) years and looks forward to serving in the years to come.
Recognition of DARE Vehicle Sponsors- Plaque Presentation
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board would like to take the opportunity to recognize certain businesses and individuals in the community who have supported the DARE program.
Steve Toohey, Rapid Response Restoration
Fred & Becky Anania, Fred’s Garage
Vince Harvey, Harvey Auto Sales
Edward Downard Jr., Pro Art Signs
Mike Clark, Al Pavey Paint
Officer Watson thanked everyone who worked on the DARE vehicle. This is the largest DARE program in Stark County and there are several requests from other schools and counties to help them. Officer Watson thanked the Board, Chief Pomesky and the community for their continued support of the DARE program.
Chief Pomesky thanked the business community and everyone that stepped up to put the DARE vehicle together. When the Police Department ran into the issue of the old DARE vehicle going out of service they were not able to replace it. Without the help of the businesses this new DARE vehicle would not have been possible. This has been well received throughout the entire community.
Consider Accepting PRIDE Donation
Trustee Chessler stated that in 2011, during the presentation of the Cecchini Humanitarian Award at Rotary, Guy Cecchini mentioned that he would be making a donation to the PRIDE program. On February 10, 2012 the Police Department received a donation of $4,000.00 toward PRIDE (Police Re-Enforcing Important Decisions and Education). The Board of Trustees would like to accept this donation tonight. Contributions such as these have made it possible to continue bringing great community based programs to Perry Township.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board accept the donation of $4,000.00 from the Cecchini Humanitarian Award of the Rotary Club to the PRIDE organization; Seconded by Trustee Laubacher.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Consider Purchase of Network Switches
Chief Pomesky stated that he provided the Board with two (2) quotes regarding the purchase of two (2) manage network switches for the IT room at the Police Department. Some of the issues that have presented themselves did not come to light until the Police Department implemented the field based reporting systems. Through the course of that several modifications were made to the system and this will be one of the last ones. Currently, there is a “dumb switch” which basically the network connection comes in and pushes it out through all of the ports. It does not offer the ability to monitor the connection speeds or anything like that which poses a problem for items that need a certain connection strength. By purchasing the network switches that are managed, the IT provider can go in and make adjustments to make the system a little bit more efficient. Chief Pomesky stated that they solicited quotes from three (3) providers.
| Company | Quote |
| CDW | $5,179.98 |
| Newegg | $5,489.98 |
| NEO Digital | $4,500.00 |
Chief Pomesky stated that they did pull state purchasing which came in at $2,274.00 per network switch which would have been a total of $4,548.00. Chief Pomesky recommended that the Board approve the purchase from NEO Digital as they were the lowest quote.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board authorize and take the steps necessary to purchase two (2) manage network switches from NEO Digital at a total cost of $4,500.00; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Road Department: None.
Law Director:
Status of Collective Bargaining with FOP
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board has been in negotiations with most of the collective bargaining units over the past several months. The bargaining units affiliated with the Police Department include; Patrol/Detectives, Dispatchers and Sergeants. Trustee Chessler stated that he believes that they have come to terms of agreement for those and the Board would like to memorialize those tonight. Trustee Chessler asked Mr. Hall to put those terms into the record with specificity and recommendations.
Mr. Hall first addressed the contract concerning Patrol Officers and Detectives. These negotiations were only regarding a re-opener of wages and insurance. Mr. Hall stated that it has been negotiated and he is recommending that the Board enter into a seven (7) month contract extension which will go from February 24, 2012 through September 30, 2012 giving that union a pay increase of 1.5% and they will continue to pay eight (8) percent toward their insurance and all other terms and conditions of the contract will remain the same. Mr. Hall stated that this is a good agreement and it has accomplished one of the main objectives of the Board which is to have all of the union contracts end on the same cycle.
Mr. Hall stated that in regards to the Dispatchers, they did not receive a pay increase last year and agreed to continue their former contract for one (1) year. Likewise in negotiating with the Dispatchers the recommendation is a seven (7) month contract extension which will go until September 30, 2012. This contract will begin on February 24, 2012 with a 1.5% pay increase. The Dispatchers will receive step increases equivalent to or equal to that as the Patrol Officers/ Detectives; 2% after five (5) years of service, 2.5% after ten (10) years of service, 3% after fifteen (15) years of service and 4% after twenty (20) years of service. In exchange for that, the Dispatchers are giving back one half of their training bonus. There is some quid pro quo coming back to the Board and again this will be a September 30, 2012 contract date and there is a specific agreement and understanding that the parties reserve the right to continue negotiating for the return of the rest of the training bonus in the next contract cycle. This is an offer that was negotiated and is being recommended by the negotiating team.
Mr. Hall stated that the Sergeants contract has been lying out there since December 30, 2010. They have negotiated with the Sergeants and are recommending that the Sergeants pay grade will be based upon the “H” step of the Patrol Officers contract. The Sergeants will not receive any of the step increases similar to the other department employees. This will be effective February 24, 2012 and end September 30, 2012. The Sergeants have also agreed to withdraw the pending grievance which is scheduled to go to arbitration and they agreed to continue negotiating on the question of promotional language in the contract. Even though, that is not going to be a formal part of the contract they are going to continue to explore that through the arbitration process to avoid the cost and expense of arbitration. Again, this puts all of the contracts within a seven (7) month time frame so that come fall they will be entering into this process again but will be negotiating with road, fire and police at the same time.
Mr. Hall stated that he has reviewed this with Chief Pomesky and they are recommending these three (3) contracts to the Board. Trustee Chessler verified that they are carrying on with the Sergeants contract provision that provides that the base pay rate is equal to that of the patrolman plus fifteen (15) percent. Mr. Hall stated that is correct; it is step “H” plus fifteen (15) percent.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board adopt and approve the agreement as outlined by the Law Director for all three (3) bargaining units; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Zoning: None.
Parks:
Consider Transfer of Classification of Paul Stauffer from a Class A- Semi Skilled Laborer to Class B- Equipment Operator
Trustee Chessler stated that the Board has previously acted to create various positions with the Recycling Department employees. The Board has created a classification for equipment operator as well as a classification for semi-skilled laborer. Trustee Chessler stated that Paul Stauffer has been performing the duties of equipment operator and it is coming before the Board tonight to formally change his classification from semi-skilled laborer to equipment operator with the corresponding rate of pay. This has been since October 1, 2011. This request comes from Ken Shreffler, Park/Recycle Superintendent. Trustee Chessler inquired when this change in classification would become effective. Mr. Schlegel stated immediately.
Trustee Chessler made a motion that the Board recognize Paul Stauffer to be in the position of Equipment Operator to be paid at the current rate for Equipment Operators, $10.26 per hour effective immediately; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Chessler, yes. Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Haines, yes.
Executive Session(s): None.
Department Matters Not Requiring Board Action:
Administration: None.
Fire Department: None.
Parks/Recycling: None.
Police Department:
Submission of January Department Statistics
Road Department: None.
Zoning:None.
Law Director: None.
Announcements: None.
Public Speaks-Open Forum:
Becky Anania-4061 Knolls Ave. SW. Mrs. Anania thanked the Board for the presentation. Mrs. Anania expressed her concerns regarding the renovations at Fire Station #1 and inquired why the crews couldn’t continue to stay in the house behind Station #1. As a tax payer of Perry Township Mrs. Anania feels as if her money is being thrown away by renovating Station #1 when there is a perfectly good house right there. Mrs. Anania stated that she heard that there are going to be two (2) crews on at night and it would only be fair to put one (1) crew north and one (1) crew south. Mrs. Anania stated that she and Mr. Anania have lived in Perry Township for forty (40) years and ten (10) of those years Mr. Anania served on the Fire Department. Mrs. Anania stated that they have a lot of friends on all three (3) stations and it seems like lately she has never seen the morale as low as it is right now. Mrs. Anania encouraged the Trustees to go and speak with the employees of the Fire Department and allow them to express their concerns without any fear of anything.
Trustee Chessler inquired if Mrs. Anania could explain in detail what she meant by morale being low. Mrs. Anania stated that they have a lot of friends on all of the stations and they are really down. Everybody use to love their job and it seems like there is a lot of complaining. Trustee Chessler stated that it is difficult to address when it is that general and it is helpful when it is more specific. Mrs. Anania stated that is why it is important for the Trustees to go out and speak to the employees of the Fire Department because she does not know what the answer is.
Chief Martin stated that he gave the Board an outline at the beginning of the year and was given authorization to put an additional person at Station #1 overnight so that they could respond with a crew of three (3) to enhance safety. There have been discussions about adding a part-time person so that there is a crew of four (4) but that has not yet been brought to the Board.
Chief Martin stated that the house behind Station #1 is small and doesn’t present itself with the ability to house additional people. Also, there is a safety issue inside the house in that you have to come down a significantly steep set of stairs and there is a walk across to the station which can elongate response times any where from a minute to a minute and a half. Chief Martin stated that the cost of the renovations was estimated to cost approximately $20,000.00 and the bulk of that cost ended up being for furniture which can be used if the Fire Department ends up with a new facility. Chief Martin stated that if the Fire Department does not end up with a new facility then he will probably come back to the Board and ask them to do permanent renovations on the back of Station #1 where there is available land. Chief Martin stated that in his opinion it is not a waste of money. It serves a purpose in that it enhances the safety of the community, enhances response times and enhances the safety of the firefighters by having that additional person on staff. All of this information was outlined and given to the Board in December.
Trustee Laubacher inquired how many bedrooms are in the house behind Station #1. Chief Martin stated that there are two (2) bedrooms downstairs. Then there is a small attic that is approximately one hundred (100) square feet. It would be difficult to squeeze two (2) people upstairs because there is not a whole lot of room up there. The house in itself just does not lend itself to have crews there.
Trustee Chessler asked Chief Martin to comment on Mrs. Anania’s concern regarding having one (1) crew north and one (1) crew south if there is going to be additional staffing at night. Chief Martin stated that right now there are times when there are only two (2) individuals at crew’s quarters after 11:00pm at night which presents a number of problems. Only having two (2) individuals on an engine presents a safety issue for the fire fighters. Secondly, the Standard of Coverage Study indicated that in the middle of the night it is difficult to get the part-time employees out of bed to respond to calls. By putting an additional part-time person overnight if gives the Fire Department a crew of three (3) which provides an ambulance and a float person who can then assist on other calls. This could also provide a three (3) man engine company which enhances response times and safety. Mrs. Anania stated that if the Fire Department is having problems with getting part-time employees to come in at night it may be related to the morale problem. Mrs. Anania again encouraged the Trustees to speak to the employees of the Fire Department to give them a chance to voice their opinions. Chief Martin stated that the Fire Department moved to a part-time status because of response issues where people wouldn’t come. Chief Martin stated that he is not sure who Mrs. Anania talks to but he talks to people on a daily basis and you can draw any type of qualifier on what morale is. The part-time shifts in which there are a significant number are filled every month. There have been twelve (12) new hires over the past month. There’s no doubt that there are probably some unhappy people because as time moves forward, people who have not performed or responded to calls, have been given the opportunity to start to perform or to leave the organization. This is the way that it has to be. We can’t have people that want this to be the good ‘ole boys club. This is a professional fire fighters organization that is in charge of protecting the public. The Fire Department has changed into a different organization and there is always a fondness of the good ‘ole days. Change requires that we move forward and some people just don’t like it.
Trustee Haines stated that he has talked to Chief Martin about attending the Fire Department meetings so that he has a chance to get to know the employees. Trustee Haines stated that he knows a lot of the firemen personally from just living in the community but he plans on talking to them. Trustee Haines confirmed what Chief Martin said about change. The Trustees will listen to what the employees have to say but at the same time the Township has to continue to move forward and do the right thing. Trustee Laubacher stated that having additional staffing at night will be beneficial because the part-time employees don’t respond as much during that time. As calls continue to go up Chief Martin will probably see that he will have to put more people on and potentially have Station #2 manned at night. Trustee Chessler stated that he will go out and speak to the employees regarding Mrs. Anania’s concern about morale but he wants to be respectful of the chain of command.
Tim Blythe-2956 Bridgeton St. NW. Mr. Blythe stated that his concern with the house behind Station #1 is that it is a residential structure being used for a commercial structure. We present a fall hazard or slip hazard in the winter time when the employees are running across an icy road or yard to get to a truck. Any time you have the ability to get into a truck from the structure that you are in you can reduce the liability of a Worker’s Compensation claim. One Worker’s Compensation claim will pay for all of the renovations.
Fred Anania- 4061 Knolls Ave. SW. Mr. Anania stated that he was up at Station #2 and saw a memorandum on the bulletin board that said that Tanker #24 could no longer use lights and sirens to go on mutual aid calls. Mr. Anania inquired the reasoning behind this. Chief Martin stated that part of his job as the Chief is to balance risk versus benefit. Tankers are one of the most dangerous pieces of fire apparatuses. Tanker crashes and the fatalities behind them are more than ariel apparatuses and engines combined in the United States. More and more organizations over a period of time have taken their tankers and moved them to a non-emergency response. Anyone that calls for a tanker is obviously in an area that has no water which tends to be a more rural area which tends to be two (2) lanes highways, poor lighting, unimproved berms and tankers are just fraught with danger. Chief Martin stated that he made the decision from a risk management position. The tanker will not run hot to mutual aid calls. This policy is normal for other departments in the area. The tanker can still run in an emergency fashion to calls within Perry Township however the decision to run hot has to be balanced with the nature of the call relayed by dispatch, the experience of the driver, road conditions, weather conditions and any other factors that are going to effect safe operations.
Adjournment:
With nothing further to come before the Board, Trustee Chessler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:02pm; Seconded by Trustee Haines.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Laubacher, yes. Mr. Chessler, yes. Miss Capaldi, yes.
Craig E. Chessler, President
Joe Schlegel, Fiscal Officer