Circleville, OH — The Circleville Safety Committee convened on the evening of October 1, 2024, to discuss significant safety measures for the city. Chairperson Jeff Hallinin, along with committee member Tom Klitzka, led the meeting in the absence of member Katie Hedges.
The committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting without any objections. Next, they moved on to new business, where two key ordinances were introduced.
The first ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to enter into a lease purchase agreement with US Bank for financing the acquisition of a 2024 Spartan Smeal 105′ HD aerial fire ladder truck. This truck, to be used by the Fire Emergency Medical Services Department, is expected to arrive ahead of schedule, with Chief Thompson currently overseeing final checks. The funding includes a substantial $928,571.42 grant from FEMA, alongside a $46,428.58 city match in addition the total cost of the truck is 1,473,132.00 financing will be required amounting to approximately $498,132. The committee voted to forward this ordinance to the City Council for approval at their next meeting on October 15. This ladder will replace the almost 30-year-old ladder truck. Circleville Safety director expressed gratitude on the grant funding, “we’re able to get FEMA today for two-thirds of that truck, which is really, really nice.”
The second ordinance authorizes the Safety Director to submit a grant application for the Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This grant aims to acquire a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) extractor and dryer for the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. The new equipment will replace a 22-year-old washer and will address the current lack of a drying facility, allowing for more efficient cleaning of turnout gear. Currently, the fire department lacks a dryer and hangs equipment out to dry.
The committee emphasized the importance of acting swiftly on grant applications to enhance the city’s competitive edge. They also agreed to forward this proposal to the City Council for consideration at the same meeting on October 15. According to the Saftey director, they will find out if they are awarded this grant next year. No Circleville Funds will be allocated for this endeavor the director simply needs Councils permission to enter into the Grant Program.
The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the ongoing efforts to secure vital resources for the city’s public safety services.
