Ex-Canal Fulton assistant fire chief resigns, gets $12,500 settlement

Canal Fulton City Council

Tuesday meeting

KEY ACTION: Received the formal resignation from former Assistant Fire Chief Ray Green.

DISCUSSION: After being sworn in as a firefighter, Green handed his letter of resignation, effective Feb. 15, to Chief Shawn Yerian and promptly left the meeting.

His resignation was part of an agreement in a legal battle with Mayor Joseph Schultz and the city over his 2020 firing. Law Director Dan Bucher Jr. said Green received a settlement of $12,500 paid by the city's insurance company after winning his job back.

OTHER ACTION:

Heard that the city may be fined $5,000 by the IRS for failing to file a health care form in 2018. Finance Director William Rouse said that prior to 2018, the city's insurance company filed the form. When the city switched insurance coverage to the Stark County Council of Governments, Rouse was not aware he had the responsibility to file the form. Rouse told council that he had not filed for 2019 or 2020. Rouse plans to ask the IRS for leniency in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the fine.

Appointed David Ferrebee as street superintendent to replace Gary Hosking, who has been promoted to public service director.

Approved a purchase order for $49,900 to B&K Concrete Construction to build a foundation for an amphitheater at St. Helena Heritage Park. The foundation for a 30 by 40 stage is the first of three phases. Phase two will be construction of a roof and phase three will include restrooms.

Approved a purchase order for $34,500 to Fred Beans Ford of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to buy a Ford Interceptor police cruiser.

Adjourned to executive session to discuss Police Department personnel. No action was taken upon reconvening.

UP NEXT: Will meet at 6 p.m. March 1 at the Safety Center in a work session. A regular meeting of council will immediately follow or begin at 7 p.m. Work sessions and council meetings may be viewed in real time on the city's Facebook page or through its website.

— Joan Porter