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LISBON -- Village council decided to expand the fire department roster, but in phases.
Council agreed at this week's meeting to expand the roster from 25 firefighters to 27 by approving the addition of Ryan Glenn, 34, West Pine Street, and Tyler Brown, 22, Elkton Road.
Fire officials approached council in January to ask that the roster be expanded from 25 to 30 to increase the pool of firefighters available to respond to calls during the work day Monday through Friday. Most of the firefighters work outside of town or outside the county, creating in a manpower shortage during the daylight hours Monday through Friday.
Council's safety committee met Feb. 1 and decided to recommended the roster be increased in phases while the fire department works on new fire service contracts with neighboring Center and Elkrun townships. Fire Capt. Mark Hall said Glenn and Brown would be available during the work day, which is why department officials were recommending council appoint them at this time.
In related news:
--Council agreed to purchase six new sets of turnout gear worn by firefighters, replacing six sets that have reached the five-year maximum manufacturers' effectiveness. The combined costs of the gear is $16,452, which has been set aside in the fire department's budget.
Council also approved the fire department's request to purchase four new tires for the department's SUV from J & J tire for $600.
--Street Supervisor Jim Oliver reported the dam at Willow Grove Park had been demolished and removed from the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek. This significantly lowered the water level behind the dam, revealing fallen trees, tree stumps and car parts, some of which have been removed.
"They didn't find Jimmy Hoffa down there," quipped Council member Jeff Snyder, referring to the infamous Teamsters boss who went missing in 1975.
Earlier in the meeting Josh Emanuelson, coordinator for the Little Beaver Creek Watershed, said his group would like to clean up the Willow Grove Park when Riversweep is held this year on June 17. The localized version of the annual event usually focuses on organizing volunteers to remove trash and debris along the banks of the Ohio River, but his group wants to clean up the section of creek that flows through the park.
Mayor Joe Morenz thanked Emanuelson and pledged to work with him in lining up local volunteers to help with the clean-up efforts.
--Council followed the recommendation of the personnel committee and hired Jason L. Briones as a part-time street department worker, bringing the number of department employees to four. He was chosen from seven applicants.
- Council authorized Council Clerk/Fiscal Officer Tracey Wonner to begin seeking for applications for life guards to work at community swimming pool this season.