February 26, 2019 - Fire Safety Committee meeting

 

6:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER - Councilman Tom Hilliard

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Schwab, Mayor

Dale Fox, Council Member                          Sydney Radich, Council Member

Chuck Hawk, Council Member                     Andrew Hess, Council Member

Tom Hilliard, Council Member                      Dave Godwin, Council Member                

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS:

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer                             Michael L. Miller, Village Administrator 

Fire Chief Chris Colucy

 

The meeting was opened with Councilman Hilliard referring to a text from the Chief stating the Fire Association will not be purchasing signs for the ballot issue.  The Chief plans to put together a letter and go door-to-door.  He is also asking Council to do the same as they did for the Street/Police Issue.  Council letting the residents know that they are behind the issue will help to get the .5% income tax increased passed.  The Chief also wanted to clear up some comments that were misconstrued t the last meeting.  He is not dumping the issue on Council but is asking Council to be active in getting information out to the residents.  A town hall meeting was brought up, but the Chief stated the last time the Fire Department tried to have one only two people showed up and one was his father.

 

Councilman Hilliard stated that it would look better if the Chief wore his dress uniform and looked official while passing out the flyers.  Mayor Schwab stated no Village Funds or equipment (including copy machines and paper, etc.) could be used to promote the issue.  There are laws prohibiting this.  Councilman Hilliard discussed what should be on the flyer.  He stated it needed to state why the extra money is needed and what it is needed for.

 

Chief Colucy stated that adding staffing at this point is not the priority.  The building needs expanded for more room before additional staffing is addressed.  The trucks are getting older and as they are replaced the new trucks are larger and will not fit in our current building.  Councilman Hilliard asked if the extra money from the income tax would lower our chances of getting grants.  The Chief said it possibly could.

 

Councilman Hilliard said that the Chief needs to put together a budget of what the additional money would be used for.  The businesses and residents need some explanation of what the department wants to use the money for.  Councilman Hilliard is concerned some of the department members will turn it the wrong way.  Councilman Godwin discussed running an ad in the Far Corner as a private citizen.  It was suggested that this be run by the Solicitor before any action is taken.  Councilman Godwin stated that the public needs much more information on the issue.

 

Councilman Hawk stated it is important that the public know that the department will still be applying for grants to help any additional money go further-saving the public’s money.  Councilman Hilliard said not to advertise too early.  Chief Colucy suggested mid-April.  Councilman Godwin stated that the Chief needs to make the decisions and Council will support him. 

 

Chief Colucy stated that some of the members of the department are only in favor if the staffing is expanded first.  The Chief thinks this is self-serving and he is putting the building in the forefront. 

 

VA Miller suggested having another Cancer Educational Class for the public and invite the gentlemen that presented it the last time.

 

Councilman Fox stated that it is important to let the residents know that only 10% of the Village income tax money collected comes from residents.  VA Miller stated the Village collects $9 for every $1 collected from a Village resident.

 

Councilman Godwin is going to contact WHBC to see if he can get time on the radio for the issue.

 

Mayor Schwab asked the Clerk to share her current concern with the Fire Fund.  Clerk King shared with the amount of recent purchases made by the department, the fund was down to $15,000.  The Chief stated he was not too concerned because he is expecting contract money soon.  The Clerk stated spending needs cut out in order to make payroll until the additional funds are received. 

 

Councilman Hilliard stated he will schedule another short meeting to go over the flyers and articles.  He stated he would stand out front of Belloni’s and pass out flyers and Councilman Godwin stated he would hit the Moose Lodge.

 

Mayor Schwab advised that Solicitor Anthony should be consulted to make sure anything that Council does follows State law.

 

Meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm.

 

_________________________________

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer