Mantua – At a recent meeting, Firefighter Mike Pender shared that the draft contract for fulltime firefighters was close to complete, and would be presented to the Fire Board for review at their final meeting in October.
Moving forward, the Board regretfully accepted several resignations for a variety of reasons. Jeff Barker resigned, effective immediately, due to limited availability given his full-time employment elsewhere in addition to starting his own business. Lynn Scott has also resigned a part time position due to time constraints, and Scott Tinlin was granted a six-month leave of absence for the same reasons.
In other news, Fire Chief Matt Roosa shared that the dispatch contract with Mantua Village has been settled, with the Fire District agreeing to a three-year contract. The rate for dispatch services in 2017 and 2018 will $42,000 per year, while the rate in year three will increase by 3%. Service agencies currently contracted through the village include Mantua Police, MSFD, and Garrettsville Police. The Fire Board unanimously approved the contract.
Lastly, Chief Roosa shared that the Fire Association donated a Polaris side-by-side utility task vehicle (UTV) to the MSFD. The vehicle will be used where a four wheel drive truck can’t go, for local fairs, field fires, rescues on the Hike & Bike Trail or in the woods. The vehicle will be fitted with a skid unit and Stokes basket for rescues, as well as a small tank, pump and hoses, and a trailer to haul it. “It will surely be put to good use,” beamed the Chief.
The next MSFD Board meeting will be held on November 14th at 6 pm at the station.
