MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township firefighters are looking to replace aging equipment before it reaches the end of its service life.

The township’s fire department is pursuing a grant that could help with the cost of new airpacks and air bottles.

Captains Wes Green and Mike Shears have been in contact with Mickey Smith of Nationwide First Responder Grant to pursue the funding opportunity.

Smith previously helped the department secure grants for equipment including an engine, Trustee Tom Craft said.

Madison Township trustees approved a motion during Monday evening’s meeting to allow Smith to move forward with the grant-writing process.

Grant could help replace aging equipment

Shears said the department has 41 carbon-fiber air bottles. The bottles last 15 years and require hydro testing every five years.

Trustee Dan Fletcher asked Captain Shears how much one pack and a bottle costs.

“One bottle is about $2,000,” Shears said.

The current bottles have manufacture dates from 2016 and 2017, meaning the township will eventually face the cost of replacing a large number of them. He said the bottles provide about 45 minutes of air.

The airpacks themselves do not necessarily need replacement on the same schedule, but the department has them inspected annually by a company. The department can continue using them as long as they pass inspection, although wear, tear and maintenance remain concerns.

Shears said Smith believes the additional funding available through the grant makes the opportunity worth pursuing.

“If we have to buy all these bottles and a couple thousand bottles in a couple years, it’s going to take a big hit, so we’re trying for a grant now for it,” Shears said.

Madison Township trustees also approved three part-time fire department hires, contingent on successful drug tests, physicals and background checks.

The three hires include two Firefighter II/paramedics and a Firefighter II/EMT basic.

Shears said the department interviewed six candidates and selected three for the part-time positions.

“They’re just harder and harder to come by,” Shears said.

He added the department continues to look for additional firefighters.

“Still looking, always looking,” he said.

Zoning Commission seat opens

Trustees approved Sidney Fouty’s resignation from the Zoning Commission during Monday’s meeting.

Fouty’s Sept. 10 letter said she moved out of state. Trustee Tom Brandt read her resignation during the meeting.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you. You were all very kind and professional. I’ve enjoyed working with you all, blessing to you all,” Fouty said in her resignation.

“We have two open seats on that, so if anybody knows anybody interested, get ahold of them,” Brandt said.

Fletcher said the commission makes amendments to the township’s zoning resolution, including changes to wording or property zoning, such as changing agricultural property to residential or residential property to business.

The Zoning Commission meets once a month if needed, and they receive pay for the position.

Other matters during Monday’s meeting

  • Litter cleanup: The township received an update from Sam Foley of Richland Soil and Water Conservation District about upcoming litter cleanups. Foley said the township could let him know about areas that may need attention.
  • Road crew training: Foley also said he is looking into leasing Ohio EPA training videos covering pollution prevention topics for the township road crew’s required annual employee training.
  • Dumpster days: Craft and Brandt are meeting with the land bank this week about dumpster days. They hope to have a date by the next meeting.
  • Signs on utility poles: During public comment, Tim Gough asked whether the township could address signs people hang on telephone poles and other locations. Gough questioned whether the township could prevent people from putting up the signs or remove them after advertisers leave them behind. Trustees said the township may legally be able to take the signs down.

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