PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
AGING FACILITY … Village officials are evaluating the future of the fire station, citing outdated conditions and limited capacity.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Prior to the regularly scheduled Edgerton Village Council meeting on Wednesday, February 18, a public safety committee meeting was held. Starting at 5:00 p.m., members in attendance were Brian Bowsher, Sharon Blinzler, and Leslie VanAusdale.
Council members Jason Gruver and Pam Wampler were also present. Other attendees included Mayor Bob Day, Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht, Administrative Assistant Amanda Knecht, Fire Chief Scott Blue, and Assistant Chief Bob Adkins. Dawn Fitzcharles joined by phone.
Mayor Day apologized for a communication error, explaining he was missing emails from Council Member Bowsher and could have potentially provided some answers prior to a committee meeting.
Bowsher began by stating he had received concerns from citizens regarding the lack of visibility on Chief Blue’s pickup truck, which differs from other fire department vehicles with a visible light bar.
Day stated the issue with the light bar may have been easily resolved with a conversation and again apologized. Blue stated he had not heard this concern.
Adkins added that the law does not require rear lighting. Bowsher asked why there is no light bar. Blinzler asked if a light bar was required.
Blue stated it has an interior light bar and it is the same lighting on the previous vehicles. Because the truck sits higher, it may be an issue and he would look into it.
Village Administrator Fitzcharles addressed a future plan for the Town Hall building once the debt service is paid off.
One suggestion is to utilize the building as a new fire station, which was part of the original plan for the building. Plans are forming for rehabilitation and remediation needs, and this would be a good time to bring this up as a future plan.
The current station presents several problems and will only continue to be outdated. To address these long-term concerns, Fitzcharles plans to initiate discussions at the federal level when she and Day travel to Washington D.C. this year.
Providing a little history on the current fire station, Fitzcharles noted it was dedicated in 1971. It can no longer support operations, safety, or capacity of today’s fire service.
The size and location put various limitations on the department. The proximity to the railroad makes it vulnerable to a derailment incident, making the station inaccessible. The location also presents traffic issues. Congestion at the intersection of US Highway 6 and Ohio Route 49 can slow response time and block the station entrance.
The building itself limits the options for upgraded equipment. The overhead door is not at an adequate height and restricts modernization of equipment.
There is also no separate storage room for turnout gear. Ventilation cannot be upgraded and modern safety measures cannot be implemented.
The bottom line is a new facility is needed and Fitzcharles would like to start pursuing funding sources. While starting the conversation does not guarantee anything, the entire process could take two years. Rehabilitation of the Town Hall would include plans for a storm shelter and adequate kitchen space.
Chief Blue added that proper truck maintenance cannot be done within the current facility. They cannot lift the cab and must do maintenance work outside. This becomes a bigger issue in bad weather. Blue also elaborated on the turnout gear storage room.
An isolated, positive pressure room would allow gear to off-gas and vent outside. Currently, the off-gassing goes into the facility as well as diesel exhaust fumes from the engines.
There is no head room to install better ventilation in the current station. The station doubling as a storm shelter not only opens funding options but is vital to the community.
As Blue reminded, when the town hall was irreparably damaged during a storm, many residents were sheltering at the connected fire station. There could have been multiple injuries or fatalities if it had been worse.
Adkins added that new engines are much bigger, and they currently cannot upgrade due to the size of the facility.
Day noted that the rear drive is basically a sidewalk and is owned by the railroad. The current fire station could be repurposed for community use, especially with the park area nearby.
Gruver addressed the committee about the benefit of transitioning from a village to a district. With the multiple townships involved, a district would encompass everything under one umbrella.
Gruver has started gathering information and contacted Reid Rothenbuhler, the Law Director. Blue has also briefly discussed it with Gruver. Fitzcharles suggested forming a side committee and gathering information.
Gruver agreed to lead the committee. Fitzcharles also agreed to provide Gruver with a list of contacts to assist the committee. The meeting ended at 5:22 p.m.