Trending
PERRY TOWNSHIP -- The township has received a reimbursement check of $42,744.20 from Norfolk Southern for costs associated with the fire department's response to the Feb. 3 train derailment in East Palestine.
Trustee Chairman Steve Bailey said the company had reimbursed the township for all overtime wages and equipment replacement costs the township had submitted to them.
"They handled everything. Everything we had sent them and requested they have refunded us for, and they were easy to deal with so we didn't have to go through the insurance on that side of things," said Bailey.
Bailey said that if any unforeseen issues arose in the future, such as potential issues with engine 72 associated with their response to the derailment, that an insurance claim would need to be filed.
In addition to the reimbursement check issued by Norfolk Southern, trustees also increased Fire Department Fund appropriations for compensation and damages by $50,000. Bailey and Fiscal Officer John Volio said these funds and the reimbursement funds would be placed in a separate account to prevent these expenses from becoming mixed in with the department's more typical expenses and make the budgeting process next year more efficient. Other fire department matter included the department's Insurance Service Office rating decreasing from a four to a five, which Bailey said should help lower residents' insurance costs.
Other items approved included the appointment of Anthony Constantino as fire prevention officer through Dec. 31.
Trustee Tony Ieropoli commended the township's road crew for its exemplary response to the damage caused by the severe storms over the weekend and the fire department for the assistance they provided in the removal of downed trees and debris during the storms. Ieropoli said that 10 trees had gone down across the township during the storms that the combined efforts of the road and fire departments had safely removed from the roadway.
During open discussion Bailey reminded residents the fire department's Pancake Breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 11 a.m. April 29 at the Salem Eagles.
The trustees will meet next at 4 p.m. April 10.
mahart@mojonews.com