Springfield Township’s fire department welcomed two full-time paramedics/ firefighters and promoted a current one at the trustees July 24 meeting.
Fire Chief Barry Cousino swore in Nicholas Lishewski and Heide Riter after the trustees approved their fulltime status.
The chief noted that they have been employed by the township part time and have prior experience with other area fire departments.
“Both have exhibited enthusiasm and eagerness toward the job,” he said, adding, “Their start date will be August 14.”
The trustees also approved the promotion of Michael Fox to lieutenant, effective July 24, after accepting “with regret” the retirement of David Langendonk, effective August 13.
Mr. Langendonk thanked the trustees. “This has been a tremendous ride and experience. Not many can have a rewarding career such as ours.”
The retired firefighter is looking forward to a new career as a high school career tech instructor at Sylvania Schools beginning August 14.
Chief Cousino believes Lieutenant Fox will be an excellent replacement. “He has demonstrated excellent leadership and is a great asset to the department.”
Chief Cousino also received approval to hire two new part-time personnel to work specific shifts. They are Bailey Kayne and Michael Henry.
The chief concluded his report with some stats from June.
Last month, the department conducted 52 inspections, including 44 annual; three state; two alarm, and one apiece reinspection, adoption/home study, and sprinkler.
In addition, five site plans were reviewed and approved for Auto Empire, 11900 Sager, interior improvements; Springfield High School, 1470 South McCord Road, fire alarm; Apple Blossom plat 11, 2300 Gunn Road, site plan; Plastic Technologies, 1440 Timberwolf Drive, fire alarm, and Harvest, 8060 Airport Highway, exterior improvements.
There were no fire investigations conducted last month.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Authorized the fire department to spend up to $15,107 to repair Engine 51.
Chief Cousino said the engine is being repaired by Selking International of Stony Ridge and the problem may be with the head gasket.
•Approved a resolution of necessity to place a 4.4-mill fire levy on the November general election ballot. The levy is a renewal and will not cost property owners any additional money on their property tax.
•Reviewed the community service officer’s report for July.
Deputy Aalea Robertson noted that car-seat fitting events continue to be held in the township as well as pedal with patrol biking opportunities.
Deputy Robertson listed disputes in the township and remedies that were taken. She also said the patrol has been proactive when dealing with speeding, nuisance abatements and road concerns.
The deputy reminded township residents that the patrol will do house checks when residents are on vacation and asked residents to visit lucascountysheriff. org/resources/ house-checks.
•Learned that at the July Dumpster days event, the township filled 11, 40-yard and two, 30-yard dumpsters with items dropped off by residents for disposal.
•Announced that new security cameras have been installed at Community Homecoming Park.
•Heard that the public services department is working with the zoning department on a rat issue in the Lincoln Green subdivision.
Literature was distributed to residents on how to bait their own property to reduce the migration of rats from house to house.
•Received an update from Administrator Mike Hampton on issues with unruly teens at the Strawberry Festival. He noted that after discussing the problem with organizers, they have agreed that in the future no one under age 18 will be permitted to enter the festival without a parent.
•Paid bills from July 11 to July 24 totaling $323,757, including payment to Bowers Asphalt and Paving of $242,692 for road projects and Fire Safety Services, $29,859, turnout gear.
They also approved electronic bills from July 7 to 20 of $379,549, including a biweekly payroll of $289,430.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, August 14, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
