Panel discusses building for EMS, fire depts.

By Mary Grzebieniak

Officials have been ‘brainstorming’ on the idea of a new building.

NEW SPRINGFIELD — A loosely organized committee has begun meeting to discuss construction of a new building to house the EMS and fire departments, Springfield Township trustees said.

The subject came up at the trustees meeting Wednesday when township resident Don Ridzon asked whether the township is considering building an EMS building. Trustee Robert Orr replied that a study has been launched to study such a possibility.

EMS Captain Karen Philibin said after the meeting that the EMS squad has “outgrown” the township building, which currently houses it and one of its two ambulances. An additional ambulance is kept at Fire Station 23 in New Springfield.

Ted Mason, EMS second captain, said that the committee is looking into site possibilities near the township building so that it would be centrally located. This would allow both ambulances to be at the central location. To fund the project, the committee is researching grant possibilities and also plans to use money earned by the ambulance billings for transports. The EMS squad also declined to take a raise this year in their per-call rate in order to save money for a building.

Two committee meetings have been conducted so far but no formal action taken. Mason said he does not expect any decisions in the near future.

At an Oct. 15 meeting, which was a special trustees’ meeting called to discuss upcoming contracts, fire chief issues and EMS issues, qualities of a good building site were discussed, and fire department member Jim Bacon presented some drawings he had made. Discussion also took place on using the proposed building as a training center.

Orr said after Wednesday’s meeting that so far, the meetings have amounted to “brainstorming.” He said that one type of grant funding being explored is “green” grants, which are becoming available for public buildings to be built in an energy-efficient manner.

Trustees have set the next meeting for discussion of the building for 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Also Wednesday, trustees opened bids for renovation of Fire Station 23. The renovation will include replacement of some windows and the front doors for heat-efficiency, lighting, and remodeling to make office space.

Bids included: Atec Construction Boardman, $19,000; DeSalvo Construction, Hubbard, $22,810; DSV Builders, Niles, $14,765; BDC Construction, Berlin Center, $32,600; MBE Construction, Wellsville, $16,950; Stitle Construction Corp., Salem, $12,840; Angelilli Builders, Boardman, $23,600; and Aberdeen Corporation, Youngstown, $17,500. The bids were tabled for review.

Also Wednesday:

UTrustees set trick-or-treat for 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31.

UThey agreed to pay Conner Asphalt, New Springfield, $3,993 to pave the inside of the salt bin at the township building.

UTrustees approved payment of $30 each for up to 60 members of the fire department for a health- care provider class next month. They also approved purchase of 30 books at $11 each for that class, the books to be shared by those taking the class.

UThey hired Atty. Dave Shepard, no address available, at $90 per hour up to $3,000 to help negotiate a new contract with the Teamsters and the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, which represent the road department and the police department, respectively. Both unions’ contracts expire Dec. 31.

UThey also accepted the resignation of the Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Kenneth Hacker, who is moving from the area.