Planning for the new Jerome Township fire station and salt barn are well underway.
Director of Departments Douglas Stewart told the trustees during Tuesday’s meeting that there will be a “shift in properties” for the land that will become the second station, Station 211, for the Jerome Township Division of Fire.
He explained that the land previously designated to be donated by Nationwide Realty Investors would not have an adequate sightline or maneuverability for large vehicles. Now, the developer will donate land that is “literally across the street,” Stewart said.
While the location change is minor, Stewart said the township is working with the project’s architect to “flip” the original plans.
The new fire station is being funded by Nationwide Realty, through an agreement made during the construction of Jerome Village. Levy dollars are not being used for the construction of the project.
Station 211 will be located in Jerome Village, near Abraham Depp Elementary School.
Stewart said the project appears to be on track to advertise bids for construction in September.
He added that the cost of some building materials have recently decreased by as much as 50%, which could bode well for the township during the bidding process.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” Stewart said.
Stewart also told the trustees to expect plans for the new salt barn “shortly.”
The contractor that will complete the project in Jerome Township is currently working on another salt barn in Union County, Stewart said, and will move on to the township afterward.
IAP Government Services Group, a consulting firm, is overseeing the construction of both the new fire station and the new salt barn, as well as a remodel of the existing fire station.
Along with new projects, existing township facilities are continuing to be improved.
Stewart said township officials are planning to seal and paint the roof of the township building, as well as paint the rear of the building to match the facade improvements to the front.
Additionally, he noted that an automated external defibrillator (AED) cabinet will be installed in the township building. It will be connected to the fire alarm system so the fire department is notified in an emergency when the cabinet is opened.
A new piece of equipment was also donated to the township.
Stewart said Shriners Hospitals for Children recently donated a thermal imaging camera to the fire department.
The fire station has a collection bin for soda cans to be recycled with proceeds benefiting the organization’s efforts to assist young burn victims. Stewart said Shriners donated the equipment to express gratitude for the fire department’s partnership.
He said the township budgeted funds to purchase two thermal imaging cameras this year, but will now only need to buy one.
As new equipment is put to use, Stewart also recommended the township dispose of a larger item.
He said the Jerome Township Division of Fire has a “backup medic,” a 2005 International truck, that has been on reserve status for several years. It is stored at the Pleasant Valley Fire District.
Recently, the medic was used to assist during a weekend in which large concerts were happening simultaneously in Plain City and Marysville.
Stewart said the “brakes went out” when the medic was brought back to the station.
An estimate indicated repairs to the brakes and an oil pan spill would cost approximately $10,000, Stewart said. To make the medic “road worthy,” he said the township would need to spend nearly $15,000.
Stewart said the medic is only used once or twice a year. Rather than spend the money to temporarily fix it, he recommended selling it and adding the proceeds to the EMS fund.
Then, he said the township could budget to purchase another medic once the second fire station is functional.
The trustees unanimously voted to sell the medic.
In other business:
– Trustees set a public hearing date regarding the Jerome Township Innovation District Zoning Overlay for 7 p.m. Sept. 7 in the township hall.
– The board set a special meeting for 5 p.m. Aug. 31 to discuss pending litigation. The board also reminded residents that a special meeting previously scheduled for Aug. 24 to discuss zoning in the area has been canceled, also due to the pending litigation.
– Trustees approved a contract for IT services with eGreen Computers, retroactive to April 2021. Trustee Joe Craft abstained from voting.
– The board unanimously approved procedures for the Board of Zoning Appeals and Zoning Commission. Rather than major revisions to current procedures, Trustee Chair Megan Sloat said it was simply “beneficial to have them in writing.”
– Trustees approved a motion to have the township’s legal counsel review the terms of the current Public Safety Officer contract with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.