Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Special Meeting
January 2, 2024
A special meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Chairman Diane Belden on Tuesday, January 2, at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room of the administration building. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department members and discuss future equipment needs.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Mary Jane Porozynski,
Kevin Gibbons, Eric Schramm, Brian Washburn, Louie Wargo, Marty Auxter, William Moore, John Gangway, Dan Barlow, and Randy Riedmaier
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Matt Montowski read a letter submitted to the Trustees by Fire Chief Kevin Gibbons discussing both short term and long term equipment needs.
Kevin Gibbons said the department plans to move forward with engine 221, the 2007 International, and have it retrofitted with an approximate cost of $65,000. He said they would also like to move forward and replace engine 224 and will have a proposal of approximately $750,000 in the near future.
Diane Belden asked why all members of the Fireman’s Association are not in agreement with the equipment proposals to retrofit engine 221 and replace engine 224.
Kevin Gibbons said members of the Fireman’s Association were presented with the idea to retrofit engine 221 and were asked for funding. He said they did not feel it was right to spend that type of money towards township equipment.
Brian Washburn said there was a vote, and it was close.
John Gangway said it was not simply that the membership did not want to spend Association money for township equipment, because we have done that in the past and shared expenses. He said it was a disagreement with the equipment replacement plan.
A lengthy discussion took place regarding the proposed equipment replacement plan, the need for new equipment, the safety of equipment, and manpower.
Diane Belden confirmed there are 21 active members on the department. She agreed we need to work on increasing the membership at the fire department.
No decisions were made by Trustees.
Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
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Diane Belden, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer