PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCERNS … Springfield Township Trustees and Fiscal Officer Patti Rosebrock listen to Springfield Township Fire Chief Tad Shindledecker addressing concerns within the fire department at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 22.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Springfield Township Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, April 22, at the township building.
Trustees in attendance were Ed Ruffer, Steve Planson and Eric Creighton. Fiscal Officer Patti Rosebrock was also in attendance.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, trustees approved the minutes of the April 8, 2026, regular meeting, and the bills as presented.
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCERNS
Springfield Township Fire Chief Tad Shindledecker and Assistant Fire Chief Mick Blevins attended the meeting and updated trustees on what is going on in the fire department.
Shindledecker brought up the recent action involving the Pioneer Fire Department.“We have a few concerns with the fire department about what is going on with the Pioneer Fire Department,” said Shindledecker.
“Just as far as I’m concerned being on the same page, don’t make it a one-man band and I don’t think you’ll have any problems.
“It is what it is up there (Pioneer) and I’ve been to a couple of their (Pioneer) town meetings, and he (Mayor Edward Kidston) runs a show and isn’t afraid of it.
“It’s sad to see what happens because there are some very good firemen on Pioneer’s Fire Department.”
Creighton said the conversations between the trustees and the fire department reflected on the situation like Pioneer and the relationships the firemen have between departments.
“Some of the conversations we’ve had were reflecting upon that (Pioneer) and even down to the tires for the trucks, making sure that we think about those things and we talk with the folks involved,” said Creighton.
“One of the questions I’ve asked Mick (Blevins) and talking with Tad (Shindledecker) was well if would be beneficial from my perspective whether its monthly or quarterly of have something set in stone for an update and understand what you guys are going through and hear your concerns if there are any.
“Obviously, we get some invoices that come through and things like that. We can stay up to date on those things a lot better, I think when there is constant communication. It’s a part that I want to promote and to say is obviously welcomed here.
“We love to hear those updates as well. With things that are happening up north and like I said with just recently with the tires. Let’s have that conversation now.”
Shindledecker added there are 20 volunteer firemen currently on the roster of the fire department. The department is currently seeking new volunteer firefighters to join.
“Can you see that trustees can help with morale or help with anything with the fire department,” said Ruffer.
The fire department recently received three grants which enable them to purchase turnout gear, film imaging cameras, hose and nozzles.
Shindledecker told trustees he will be getting an invoice for a third overhead door at the fire department where they have installed a new motor.
ROAD REPORT
Road Supervisor Mike Short told trustees he received a call regarding the flagpole at the French Cemetery. He will be contacting the Stryker American Legion about it.
Short also reported a catch basin problem in the township due to recent heavy rains. Trustees decided not to make any decisions until the next meeting.
Planson reported there are potholes needed to be filled on County Road E-50.
FISCAL BUSINESS
Patti Rosebrock said the township is in the process of going through its two-year audit. She explained that she didn’t know this was the township’s time for an audit, thus didn’t appropriate enough funds to pay for the audit.
A motion was approved for an increase in appropriations in the General Fund in the amount of $5,000 for audit fees.
Rosebrock reminded the trustees to renew their Ohio Township Association yearly membership fees at $60 per trustee. A $5 additional fee will be assessed from Williams County.
With all of the township positions filled, township resident John Forbes showed an interest in being on one of the township boards.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m.
