OH Department Rehiring 10 Firefighters
Source The Repository, Canton, Ohio (TNS
Canton Safety Director Andrea Perry told City Council on Monday that the city will rehire 10 firefighters by Sept. 3.
The city laid off the firefighters April 29 as part of an effort to reduce a $5.1 million budget deficit, attributed to decreasing income tax revenue and state budget cuts. A Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded earlier this month will bring Fire Department staffing from 134 to 144.
City Council formally approved the two-year, $1.45 million grant at Monday's meeting.
Fire Chief Thomas Garra said his first priority will be staffing an engine at station No. 4, which is at 25th and Cleveland Avenue NW and is covering three districts with a ladder truck — which is not equipped with the same firefighting tools.
"That engine will reach out farther," he said.
Then, as manpower allows, Garra will open station No. 2, at Fourth Street SE and Belden Avenue. The station has been closed 137 days between Jan. 1 and Aug. 10 but open more often than the regularly closed stations No. 5, No. 6, and No. 10.
"They all need to be open," Garra said Monday after his presentation to council.
Special operations training also has suffered under overtime constraints, Garra said, and the department plans to end its water rescue and possibly trench rescue operations for the month of December.
Garra said the department provides about half of the county's hazardous material team and, in that regard, will "do the best we can."
Three of the 10 laid-off firefighters have found employment at other departments, but Garra said he anticipates most, if not all, returning.
Council calls out delinquent landlord
Council approved the list of delinquent water and sewer charges to be sent to the county auditor, who can then apply a property lien.
Councilmen Bill Smuckler, D-at large, and Greg Hawk, D-1, cited one landlord in particular who owns about 50 properties and owes the city about $15,000 for water and sewer.
"How do you get these kinds of bills?" Smuckler said in disbelief Monday.
Hawk asked for legal action, suggesting the city "make the example of him."
Council President Allen Schulman summarized their concerns, saying the city might consider treating such repeat offenders as "public hazards."
"Maybe it's time to look to put some of these people in jail," he said.
Councilman Fisher says goodbye
Council members commended Councilman Kevin Fisher, D-5, for his time on City Council with a formal resolution and kind parting words.
"You always brought a great debate to this floor," Councilman Thomas West, D-2, said. He mentioned an ordinance Fisher championed that requires banks to take care of properties throughout foreclosure proceedings.
Schulman said it has been his "honor and privilege" working with Fisher.
"The beauty of working with you is I know I'm going to continue working with you," he said.
Fisher, who took office in 2012, will be moving to Ward Nine after he somewhat spontaneously purchased a house on Colonial Boulevard NE. He said he has no plans to immediately seek another political office.
Stark County Democrats have 45 days to appoint someone to finish Fisher's term, which ends in 2017.
As promised, Fisher voted not to adjourn "because my last vote really should be a 'no,'" he said. Fisher thanked council staff and recalled his stated goal upon starting council was to affect policy, not make friends.
"As it turns out, I made a lot of great friends while I was here," he said.
The council also excused the absence of councilmen Edmond Mack, D-8, and Frank Morris, D-9, who had business out of town, Schulman said.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323
On Twitter: @kbyerREP
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