KEY ACTION Heard a proposal and viewed a slideshow, for a demo “quint” fire truck, from Bolivar Fire Chief Shawn Lynch. The cost for the 2021 Pierce Ascendant 107 PUC Stock Demonstration Unit would cost about $1.1 million. Bolivar Fire and Rescue would contribute $200,000 toward the purchase.  A new quint would cost about $1.3 million and would take a couple of years before it was built. The trustees did not take any action and will hold a work session to review the proposal.  

DISCUSSION: Lynch said the plans would be to replace the Ladder 109 and fire engine 102 due to unreliability, increased time out of service due to maintenance, significant maintenance costs, ISO will not give credit for fire apparatus greater than 25-years old and the township is scheduled for an ISO rating review May 12, 2022. The fire department plans to sell a 1998 Pierce Saber Engine that is 24 years old. They sold the 1993 Pierce 75 foot aerial which was 29 years old to Brewster Fire and Rescue. The total cost for three year maintenance for both trucks totaled $65,341. The fire engine will not be sold until new equipment takes it’s place. 

Lynch said the solution is to replace the current fire engine and ladder truck with a multi-use vehicle (quint). A quint combines the equipment capabilities of a ladder truck and the water-pumping ability of a fire engine. It features five main tools — pump, water tank, fire hose aerial device and ground ladders. Replacing the two pieces of equipment, with one vehicle, would save about $60,000. The salesman told the trustees the quint may not be available later and they needed to act on the proposal. 

In another matter, at the April 14 meeting, Joe Garrett, Energy Aggregation Consultant for Lawrence Township through Trebel LLC informed trustees that Volunteer Energy supplier for the township electric and natural gas services has filed for bankruptcy. All existing customers are being returned to local utilities AEP and Columbia Gas. Garrett is seeking competitive rates from an alternate supplier. Trustees are recommending, through the township attorney, Terry Seeberger, the agreement with Trebel LLC be modified to a two-year agreement instead of a five-year agreement. 

• Heard the fee for a building permit will double, if construction begins, before a permit is obtained at the township office. 

• Heard from a resident that resides on Welton Rd. about the condition of the road and when it can be paved. Trustees said several new houses are being constructed and the road will be torn up. Also, the cost to repair and pave Welton will cost over $250,000 which would be most of the paving funds for a year. Road Superintendent Chuck McNutt said he understands the concern and the road crew will continue to patch the area until it can be repaired and paved correctly. 

• Heard from Fire Chief Shawn Lynch, the firefighters responded to a mobile home fire, Easter Sunday on Eberhart Rd. The man, an amputee, was making French fries and the pan caught on fire. He was trying to get the pan outside and it caught the carpet on fire. Lawrence Township Deputy Heath Manbeck was first on the scene and crawled under the smoke, through the door, to get the man back into the wheelchair. Just then Lynch arrived to help bring the man outside. There was smoke damage to the mobile home. Lynch praised Manbeck. 

• Learned the Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley  is waiting on information from the county prosecutor how to charge for mowing properties that are in disarray. The charges will be placed on the property taxes. Weekley has asked for direction as to how to charge for the service that would stand up in court. 

• Heard Weekley will visit a property on Hess Mill that has a disabled vehicle on the property for about 10 years. Certified letters have been returned. 

• Learned details of the new fire agreement with Bolivar Fire and Rescue is still being discussed. 

• Heard trustees are seeking seasonal employees. Those interested must be 18-years old or older. Contact the fiscal officer at 330-874-2731. 

• Andrew Marburger, of Lockport Brewery, said an event is being planned for July 16 in Wilkshire Hills and at the Tuscarawas Valley School campus. He said the event is not set in stone however plans are to hold a fireworks display, have food trucks and other events. He said the committee plans to meet in May. 

UP NEXT meets at 7 p.m. May 13 in the township building.