North Canton approves full-time paramedics

Sept. 26--NORTH CANTON CITY COUNCIL -- Monday Meeting

Key Action: Council approved the addition of two full-time emergency medical technician -- paramedic/firefighter positions in the North Canton Fire Department.

Discussion: The department was allowed a maximum of six full-time paramedics on staff. The ordinance -- which was passed on emergency after the first reading -- would bump the number up to eight.

Adding two full-time positions will cut down on the hours given to the department's approximately 50 part-time employees, council heard at their last committee meeting.

The fire department's part-time employees have had to work a lot of overtime. The Affordable Care Acts requires the city to offer health insurance to part-time employees who work more than 29 hours a week. Once an employee meets that threshold, they are eligible for insurance for a year, said City Administrator Mike Grimes.

By adding two full-time positions, the city will save money, he said.

Other Business

--Passed the first reading of an ordinance to overhaul the city's facility rental rates and policies, but agreed to discuss, and possibly amend, the ordinance at the upcoming committee meeting.

The proposed ordinance would end a policy that allowed nonprofit organizations, both inside and outside of the city, to rent picnic shelters for free. Sandra Lang, director of the North Canton Public Library, spoke to council about her concerns with the policy and how it would impact community events.

The policy would not affect events the city helps sponsor, said Director of Administrative Services Patrick DeOrio.

--Adopted the final reading of an ordinance to rename the position "director of permits and development" to "director of community development."

--Adopted on emergency two pieces of legislation related to the city budget: one would re-appropriate $25,900 from the general fund to cover current expenses. The second would reclassify $600,000 from projects that no longer needs those funds this year to the city hall portico project.

--Accepted an award from the Ohio Auditor of State's office. Director of Finance Laura Brown and her department were awarded the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for their 2016 audit.

--Adopted on emergency an ordinance to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Easthill Street bridge rehabilitation project.

--Welcomed newly hired director of permits John Stiglat. Stigalt was the full-time building inspector for Broadview Heights.

Up Next: Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

Reach Jessica at 330-580-8322 or jessica.holbrook@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @jholbrookREP.

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