Mechanical problems with a number of fire department apparatuses prompted the Springfield Township trustees to authorize several large expenditures.
At the February 26 meeting, the trustees approved the purchase of an HME Ahrens-Fox pumper for $653,806, and a 2024 Ford Explorer command vehicle from Brondes Ford for $47,535.
They also rescinded a previous order through Sutphen for a fire engine and replaced it with a lease to purchase contract for a Sutphen ladder truck for $19.2 million.
Jonathon Ziehr, acting fire chief, said in March 2023, they ordered a fire engine from Sutphen for $800,000 following trustee approval and was told to expect delivery in 28 to 32 months.
As of now, he noted “Sutphen is still projecting not to have the engine until 28 to 32 months from today.”
Complicating matters, the department’s reserve engine, a 1998 International is out of service indefinitely. “The repair costs total more than the value of the engine,” he explained, adding the department needs another working vehicle as soon as possible.
The acting fire chief, acting assistant chief and township mechanics looked at other options and discovered the HME pumper. which is available now at a purchase price of $653,806.
To pay for the unit, money earmarked for the apparatus will be taken from the capital budget, he said.
Because the purchase price is nearly $150,000, Acting Chief Ziehr recommended replacing the 2012 command vehicle with a 2024 Ford Explorer from Brondes Ford Toledo for $47,535.
“We are gaining two needed vehicles for the price of one while saving $98,659 from the original request of $800,000,” he added.
Because the new command vehicle will require additional equipment, the trustees approved the purchase of equipment such as lights for $8,955 from Buckeye Emergency.
Trustee Andy Glenn questioned whether the township could simply cancel the Sutphen purchase altogether.
The acting chief replied that to satisfy the current contract with Sutphen, the township can only replace the engine build with the ladder truck on a lease to purchase deal.
“The frst payment will be made in 2025 for $786,589 and over the next four years there will be consecutive payments of $357,798. The total purchase price will be $1.92 million with a savings of $100,000 due to the lease being paid in full by the delivery of the ladder truck,” he said.
Trustee Rachel Geiger commended the department for the research they did, adding, “It’s great that you saved money.”
Acting Chief Ziehr said the department debated whether to replace the current ladder truck which is past its expected life, but pointed out the fire department’s ISO rating of two is the “highest rating we can get.” Should the truck not be replaced the rating would drop to a three, which would negatively impact insurance rates for residents.
Mr. Glenn questioned whether the department could have gotten a better rate through HME, but the acting chief said the company no longer manufactures ladder trucks.
“Sutphen is only one of four companies that does, and we need to do this to get out of the other contract,” he reiterated.
The acting fire chief also presented the department statistics for January.
Last month, there were 411 calls for service in the areas served by the township, which, in addition to Springfield, includes the Village of Holland and Harding, Spencer and Swanton townships.
Station 51 on South Mc-Cord Road fielded the most calls, 239, followed by Station 53, Garden and Holloway roads, 101, and Station 56 on Frankfort Road, 71.
Of those, 289 were in Springfield Township, followed by Holland, 69; Spencer, 19; Swanton, 11 and Harding, eight.
The department also provided mutual aid to Maumee, nine; Sylvania Township, five; Sylvania, four; Monclova Township, two, and Berkey, Toledo, and Swanton, one apiece.
Four site plans were reviewed for Target, 1465 East Mall Drive, remodel; Mattress Firm, 6540 Centers Drive, remodel; Harvest, 8060 Airport Highway, remodel, and Sheetz, 6633 Dorr Street, new construction.
Four fire investigations were conducted last month–two structure, one vehicle and one semi-truck fire.
The structure fire at 7260 Nightingale occurred in a workout area and was deemed electrical. Damage was estimated at $20,000.
The second structure fire at 510 Butternut Lane broke out in the kitchen and remains under investigation. Damage is estimated at $250,000. The vehicle fire at South Berkey Southern and semi truck fire at I-80 west were determined to be from an engine compartment mechanical issue and damages were set at $10,000 and $20,000 respectively. Other Business In other business, the trustees:
•Revised the trustees meeting dates for the remainder of 2024. Beginning in March, meetings will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5 p.m.
The meeting dates are March 5, 19; April 2, 16; May 7, 21; June 4, 18; July 2, 16; August 6, 20; September 3, 17; October 1, 15; November 5, 19, and December 3, 17.
In a related matter, the trustees rescinded a public hearing scheduled for March 11 and reset the hearing for 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 5.
•Engaged the services of Jennifer Huber of the Brosius, Johnson and Griggs, LLC law firm to assist the township with land use and zoning plans on an as-needed basis.
Hourly cost for the services ranges from $105 for a legal assistant to $225 for a partner attorney. The law firm also bills for out-of-pocket-costs such as copies, postage, mileage and facsimiles.
•Appointed Kim Underwood as proxy for required Sunshine Laws and ethics training.
•Heard from Andy Hohlbein, director of public services, that in the past month, the township used 86 tons of rock salt on roads.
Mr. Hohlbein said 900 tons was ordered and very little has been used, resulting in a relatively full storage shed. “We would like to see a little bit more snow,” he added.
The public services director said that with little in the way of winter weather to combat, the department has been working on prepping mowers, backhoes and other equipment for this spring and summer.
•Approved $30,000 toward the 2024 crack seal program of township roads.
•Met with representatives from the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority to discuss economic development and how the authority can best serve the township.
•Received an update on activity from Lieutenant John Leach, Lucas County sheriff’s office.
Lt. Leach noted the township now has a new resource officer, Deputy Warren, and “she has hit the ground running. She is a very nice person.”
He also noted the department now has two drones which they will deploy in the township as needed.
He concluded by noting he is working with the township on upcoming events related to the eclipse.
•Paid bills from February 13 to 26 totaling $110,844, including a payment of $78,570 to Stryker Sales LLC for power cots. A portion of the cost, $40,000, was covered through a grant the township received, explained fiscal officer Barb Dietze.
The trustees also approved electronic payments of $327,980, which includes the biweekly payroll of $285,510.
•Entered into executive session to consider the appointment, dismissal, discipline, demotion and compensation of a public employee, or investigation of complaints against a public employee, but took no action afterward.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, in the meeting room of the township hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
