Windham – The WVFD Fire Board met for their regularly scheduled meeting recently with board members Brian Miller and Ron Kilgore in attendance, along with the Fiscal Officer Jayme Neikirk.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Kilgore. The minutes, expenditures and bank reconciliation were approved. The board then approved the amended appropriations.
The board expressed their thanks and recognized Walt Turner who served on the department for 43 years. Walt retired in August, and the district held a retirement party for him on August 19, 2018. Congratulations, Walt, and thank you for the years of service to the community!
In the Chief’s report, Chief Rich Gano reported that there were 370 calls year to date (Sept.1, 2018), with 46 of the calls EMS- related. Currently there are 19 staff employees.
Gano reported that truck 2811 needed two new front tires and they were replaced at the cost of $273.75. He also reported that three of their trucks are scheduled for pump tests at the cost of $210 / truck. One truck will also have the ladder tested for an additional $300.
Gano stated that he attended a MARCS Radio Seminar where the State Fire Marshal Jeff Hussey made him aware of a $50,000 grant available to departments that want to upgrade to the MARCS system. Each fire district/department would need to apply. Once applications are received, the fire marshal will examine them and determine which districts/departments will receive the funds. Although the district originally wasn’t looking to up grade, they are considering it, only if they get the grant. After some discussion on the issue, they decided to apply for it as soon as the grant applications are available in November.
The district currently uses analog type radios. The MARCS radios are satellite, digital radios and will work 99.9% of the time anywhere in the state of Ohio and about seven miles outside of the state lines. This would improve the quality of communications for them. This is the same type of communication system that the Ohio Highway Patrol uses.
The Attorney General (AG) will help the district collect monies that the fire district has spent to send folks to EMT/ paramedic school and didn’t fulfill their obligation to the district. In the past, the district would pay for schooling as long as the recipient passed the class and agreed to serve on WVFD Fire Department for a few years. If they broke the contract, they were to repay the tuition to the district. Unfortunately, folks have not fulfilled their obligation leaving the district no other option but to collect it through the AG. Those who have not paid will have cash subtracted from tax refunds if the A.G. enters the case.
The chief reported that he promoted Matt Evans to lieutenant. He also reviewed six applications for interested parties who’d like to serve on the WVFD. After some discussion, the board hired them on a probationary status.
Lastly, the chief reported that they had to have the A/C unit at the fire station repaired. It’s been fixed and a locked thermostat has been installed to help conserve energy.
Firemen Steve Wilbur addressed the board, he asked about raising the minimum pay a cross the board for Basic EMT, Intermediate EMT and Paramedics. After a long discussion, the board agreed that they could make some pay adjustments. The new rates are as follows, Basic EMT $10/Hr., Intermediate $11/Hr. and Medic $12/Hr. The increase will go into effect the next pay period. Wilbur thanked the board for the increase.
Board Member Brian Miller recommended a raise for the chief as well. This was also approved.
The firemen would like to remind folks that if they can’t see your house numbers, they won’t be able to find your house. Now is the time to check and see if your numbers are visible from the road.
