SPECIAL JOINT WORK SESSION WITH THE VILLAGE OF RICHFIELD
MAY 27, 2004

DISCUSSION TOPIC: FIRE CONTRACT

The Richfield Township Trustee joint work session with the Village was called to order at 7.10pm on May 27, 2004.

Roll call: Trustees present: Shano Cica-Mraz, David Wyatt, and Laurie Gilmore
Township Administrator: Linda Bowmer took minutes in the absence of Clerk Laurie Pinney.

Village members present: Mayor Mike Lyons and Village Council members Barbara Lanford, Bobbi Beshara, Rick Hudak, Andy Ellis, Chuck Kozelka, Bob Hooper and George Strongosky.

All of Council was brought up-to-date on discussions held at the previous work session between the Township and the Village Safety Committee. The following changes in Section 2. Village Obligations were agreed.

2.b. The Township will receive all net insurance collections made from EMS calls in the Township

2.c. The Village will not charge for normal maintenance done to the hydrants by the Village Fire Department. The Township will however be charged materials and labor for repair or replacement of hydrants done by the Village Service Department or an outside contractor.

There was much discussion on Section 3. Township Obligations of the proposed contract. The Township wanted to break down the payments designating operating costs and money for a capital equipment fund which would be held by the Township. The Village felt that the Township was buying a service, which included equipment, and the total amount of the payment should come to the Village. The Township felt their formula would give them accountability. The Village felt that they needed to control the funds and make the ultimate decisions on how those funds should be spent.

Everyone agreed this is not a normal marketplace and it is impractical for the Township to go elsewhere. The Township has however looked at other departments of similar size for comparison of operating costs. Township resident, Jeff Shupe, made the suggestion to create a fire district, controlled by a Board comprised of members of both communities and governments.

As it appeared a compromise was not possible, it was agreed that the Township and Village would enter into a one year contract for approximately $282,000 annually, payable in four quarterly installments. This is 21% of the anticipated 2004 fire department costs based on 7 year rolling average figures supplied by Mayor Lyons.  The 21% represents the Township’s average usage of the total fire department budget,

Mr. Wyatt made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9.00pm, seconded by Ms. Mraz; Ms. Mraz – Yes, Ms. Gilmore – Yes, Mr. Wyatt – Yes; motion carried unanimously.


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Last updated: 02/25/2006