PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FIRE UPDATES … Florence Township Fire Chief Allyn Luce presents his monthly report to trustees at the June 2 meeting, covering grants, equipment and community events.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Florence Township Trustees met on Tuesday, June 2. The meeting got started a little late, being officially called to order at 6:06 p.m.
Trustees Don Imm and Mark Trausch were present along with Fiscal Officer Courtny Osborn, Paul Green, Florence Township Fire Chief Allyn Luce and firefighter and village council member Dan Ankney. Trustee Bert Brown arrived late around 6:22 p.m.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Chief Luce began his report with seven runs for May, an uptick from April yet typical for the department.
He then updated the board on the Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant, noting that gloves had recently arrived and several other items are still pending. As additional equipment comes in, Luce will submit the invoices.
Continuing with grant information, Luce told the trustees that the department had modified the narrative for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant and would complete it by June 10, well before the cutoff date of June 22.
The state fire marshal notified the department that it is still on track to go live with the national reporting system in January.
Currently, the township fire department reporting is done through the state and will automatically transfer to the national system on that date.
Luce then explained to the board a required acknowledgment form that he had Green sign prior to the meeting. The form was initiated by the Williams County EMA.
Any individual who has access to the active 911 alerts was required to sign the form, acknowledging that the system at times may communicate confidential or sensitive information. All signatures are required by July 1.
Upcoming in June, Luce hopes to meet with leadership and complete a tour of the new V-Rod facility.
He noted that the department has received its SERC Tier II report, the annual inventory of hazardous chemicals stored at the site. Luce described it as “fancy terminology for emergency response plans for chemicals.”
Recently, on behalf of the department, Luce provided a letter of recommendation to assist the Indiana Northeastern Railroad with a grant application. The grant would be used to upgrade to bigger and better tracks. As this improves the township, he felt it was important to provide documented local support.
With Ankney’s reminder, Luce informed the board they had obtained quotes for the exhaust system for the truck bay that would attach to the trucks. The quote came in around $100,000.
Unless he can locate an acceptable grant, this would be pushed to the back burner.
On Wednesday, June 10, a representative for low-speed, high-volume fans will be in the area. Luce stated he plans to have the rep assess the building and the potential benefits of using one of their products, especially in the winter months, to help recirculate the rising heat throughout the building.
Luce ended his report with an update on the Chicken BBQ held on Memorial Day, noting the outcome was less than ideal.
“We didn’t lose money,” he said, but added that turnout and vendor limitations continue to make the event challenging.
Many suppliers will not provide such a small quantity of food, especially over a holiday weekend. Luce is hopeful that A Night at the Races will be more successful.
Imm asked about the department’s fee for filling swimming pools. Luce said the cost is $100 per load, covering water, fuel and labor. He added that the service also provides firefighters with valuable drive time.
ROADS AND PAVING
Green opened with updates on recent road work, reporting that pea stone hauling is complete.
He told Imm he was satisfied with the quality, which cost $26 per ton. Hauling of No. 6 stone is next on the schedule.
He went on to report that he has been actively dura-patching, using about 2,000 gallons of emulsion at $2.25 per gallon.
Completed areas include County Road 1, County Road 4, County Road K and Township Road 675.
Trustees then moved their attention to a quote for chip-and-seal projects from Ward’s Construction.
Imm had a few questions about the price difference between two areas with similar mileage. Green explained the company will survey the roads by truck to gather the measurements and details needed for a quote.
The group discussed and totaled the cost. Because the project exceeds the township’s bidding threshold, formal bids will be obtained.
Continuing with road repairs, Green suggested planning work near the railroad tracks on County Road 1 and County Road 4.
He also suggested purchasing seat covers to protect the interior of the new dump truck. Also for the dump truck, Green asked if the owner’s manual had been acquired. Osborn stated they had sent a PDF version, but it was over 400 pages, so they are looking into other options.
OTHER BUSINESS
Brown directed the trustees to a notice from the health department after a resident filed a complaint about someone living in a camper.
He noted that, without zoning, the township has no authority in the matter and would not intervene. Circling back to the chip-and-seal quote, Brown questioned whether two coats are required.
After some discussion, the trustees agreed they would advertise for quotes and then reevaluate the project. Shifting to financial matters, Osborn notified the trustees that the township is midway through its audit.
She expects the process to take roughly six weeks and said she has already received an invoice. After completion, the audit will move into the review phase.
Osborn distributed checks and the financial reports for the trustees to review and sign.
Imm moved to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Trausch seconded; however, Osborn brought up that the meeting minutes had not been approved. Trausch then moved to approve and Imm seconded.
The minutes were approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m.