Windham – The WVFD Fire Board met recently with all board members in attendance. Board members are chairperson Cindy Cale, Brian Miller and Jake Bowden. The fiscal officer is Jenn Derthick. The meeting was called to order and the board approved the minutes, and expenditures, before opening up the floor to guests.
Lt. Nick Bushek and Mile Polichena were there to discuss another option to obtain MARCS radios, since the district wasn’t awarded the grant to get new ones. Bushek stated that they have found some on Ebay and was wondering if they were allowed to purchase off there. After discussion on radios and cost, the board approved a $3800 expenditure for purchasing used MARCS radios. This price will cover about 10 radios and batteries.
In the chief’s report, Rich Gano reported that there were 567 calls to date September 30, 2021.
There were 48 EMS calls, with 31 transports, one hazardous condition, three vehicle accidents, one overdose, two suspected Covid and one DOA. Out of the 48 responses, there were 26 responses in the village, 18 in the township, three to the turnpike, and two assists to Community Ambulance.
A discussion was held on the lack of a contract with Camp JAG. The district doesn’t have a contract with Camp JAG and although they have tried, they’ve been unable to come to terms with a contract. The district board feels it isn’t fair to the residents who pay taxes for the service and the military institution does not. So, after some discussion, the board has voted to discontinue services to Camp JAG effective 12/31/21 at midnight. A letter will be sent to officials at Camp JAG officials. An employee’s temporary relocation, due to girlfriend’s job has asked for an extended leave of absence (LOA). The employee wants a 10 month leave. After some discussion, the board approved the LOA and if the employee doesn’t return to work by August 2022 as he stated, he will be discharged from his duties.
The board approved the purchase of eight 5-gallon buckets of concentrated foam from Warren Fire. A discussion was held about MARCSradios. Gano will apply for another grant as the Fire Marshal’s Grant opens soon. He has also applied for the Fire House Subs Grant for a sport utility vehicle. The application for that was accepted. The board approved the purchase of turn out gear for Jessica Greer at the cost of $2855.
The siren went out in truck 2812. They were able to swap it out and then fix it in-house. Speaking of sirens, the board discussed the removal of the siren from what’s now private property to their property. After some discussion, it really isn’t financially feasible to do without a grant or some kind of financial assistance. They will get an estimate on the cost to run electric for it and move it, before making a final decision
A discussion was held on the two positions that will be open on the board. Cindy is not running for council so she will not be the villages representative. Brian Miller may or may not be the townships representative, depends on who the trustees choose. Jake Bowden’s term is up 12/31.2021, but he didn’t say if he planned on staying for another term. The board will be taking applications for fire board positions.
The board went into a brief executive session and since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
