Fire Department issues dominated Canal Fulton's council meeting Tuesday

Canton Repository (OH)

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

KEY ACTION: Heard a presentation from John Barkan of Barkan & Associates, who has been hired to conduct a survey of both the Canal Fulton and Lawrence Township Fire Departments.

DISCUSSION: The online survey will allow the firefighters to confidentially respond to questions, so Barkan can complete a study to evaluate the departments and provide recommendations for improvements. Barkan, a longtime labor relations and human resources consultant and former firefighter was hired by council at a cost of $8,500 to conduct the study because of unspecified discord within the Fire Department. The study will also help determine if both departments should operate under one chief instead of the current two. Canal Fulton and Lawrence Township firefighters work together under a “living together” agreement. Barkan said the target date to complete the study is March 1. Because it involves personnel, he said that he would first discuss the study in an executive session with council.

OTHER ACTION:

Council also fielded concerns from resident Laura Stevens, whose husband is a Canal Fulton firefighter/EMT, about Barkan’s credentials, problems within the Fire Department, coverage for residents, and the recent dismissal of firefighter David Cole. Council member Jeanann VanDenberg said she has received many emails calling for the reinstatement of Cole. Newly elected council president questioned whether Schultz had the authority to fire Cole without council’s input. The city’s legal counsel will research the mayor’s authority to hire, fire, and promote without council’s approval. Fire Chief Ray Durkee said that response to fires and medical emergencies from both fire stations, the Eugene M. Fellmeth Safety Center and the recently reopened Milan Street westside station, was going well. Heard that Bishop, the Police Department’s canine, has retired after eight years of service. Police Chief Douglas Swartz said that Bishop had been helpful in solving many drug-related crimes in Canal Fulton and surrounding communities and also helped the Canton SWAT Team. He will be living with his handler, Sergeant Josh Barabasch. Philip Costanzo presented a plaque honoring both the Fire and Police Departments for their efforts in saving his life last year. He praised all first responders and referred to them as “precious angels of God.” In addition to electing Mayberry as president of, council also chose Bonnie Donaldson as vice-president. Chose Douglas Morgan to serve as the city’s representative on the Historic Preservation Commission. Authorized city manager William Rouse to apply for a grant from the Ohio-Erie Canalway Association to repair and repaint the St. Helena II canal boat. The $48,000 cost will be split evenly between the association and the city. Heard that the Daddy/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department have been postponed because of COVID-19. Entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Teamsters Local Union 24 to create a full-time position to perform maintenance and other duties at the city’s parks. Agreed to pay the Local Organization of Governments in Cooperation (LOGIC) $111,500 for fire and police dispatching for 2021. Bought new water meters from HD Waters Supply for $122,000. Replacement of old meters with meters that can be read automatically will resume soon, said Rouse. Agreed to pay a total of $51,700 for various phone services for 2021. Agreed to pay a $500 stipend to full-time, union, and non-bargaining employees to help offset their increased costs for health insurance.