No guarantee, but Orrville hopeful about getting federal funds to help with FD renovations
The City of Orrville could receive a federal grant to help pay for renovations at Fire Station 1.
Since the Fire Department implemented a new hiring program, Fire Station 2 is identified as the most feasible to expand and operate 24/7, according to discussion at Monday's City Council meeting.
The renovation will include living quarters for firefighters working overnight hours.
After a conversation with representatives from U.S Rep. Max Miller’s office, Safety-Service Director Steve Wheeler said there is potential for federal funding, and council’s support is essential for the process.
“There are not guarantees of funding or approval, but .... hopefully (we can) find some potential funding,” Wheeler said.
Police Department looking to replace Inceptor with Tahoe
As a part of the annual vehicle replacement plan, council approved purchasing a 2023 or 2024 Chevy Tahoe Police Special 4WD vehicle.
Although the Police Department usually looks at buying a Ford Police Interceptor, this year Chief Cory Seiler suggested giving a Chevy Tahoe a try. The vehicle will be a replacement for a 2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
“We’ve kept that cruiser for 13 years in our fleet, so it’s due to be retired,” Wheeler said.
Council members approved a concrete project for East Hostetler Road. The road is known for a significant amount of truck traffic and its condition makes it a priority in the 2024 streets project.
Orrville Utilities will implement a new communication service in partnership with the Daupler Response Management System. The service aims to streamline the response process to facilitate communication when there is a watermain break, sewer issue, electric outrage, etc.
Customers will receive notifications, report incidents and service issues, and will have access to a technician 24/7. Registered customers have the option to opt-out if they don’t wish to receive the texts. The department will post more information on the city’s website and Facebook page in the coming week.
Rundown of 2023 from Orrville Service Department
In the Orrville Service Department annual report, Superintendent Ryan Immel highlighted the work done by employees in 2023.
They installed new swings sets in the upper park, and corn hole in addition to the creation of the Skate Park. The number of basins replaced or repaired is 13 basins with a cost of over $40,200.
The cost for street sealing in 2023 was $28,395, down considerably from the $68,278 cost in 2022.
There was a rise in fuel cost in 2023. The average price for unleaded was $2.76 compared to $2.43 in 2022, while diesel average was $3.34 compared to $2.83.
The city purchased 25,209 gallons of unleaded fuel for about $69,500 and 19,834 gallons of diesel fuel priced out at $66,300.
The mosquito control program cost was $26,800, which slightly increased from the previous year.
The city collected 83 Christmas trees and recycle 20 batteries. Additionally, it recycled 842 gallons of used oil given by residents who changed their car oil.
“We put it in an oil burner to help us heat the Lacy Center so it keeps our gas costs down for heating the facility,” Immel said.
The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Orrville City Hall.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Fire Station renovation, police car discussed by Orrville council
