By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT — Seven citizens pledged Thursday night to conduct an exhaustive, impartial and thorough study of Conneaut's fire, rescue and emergency medical operations.
The fire committee, at its first meeting, promptly agreed to set personal opinions and philosophies aside and let the facts they discover speak for themselves.
“We need to be open-minded and objective,” said member James Supplee.
Co-member Catherine Glosser agreed.
“There must be no pre-judging with personal agendas,” she said. “We're exploring with an open mind.”
The committee, selected by City Council, is charged with looking at the fire/rescue/EMS operation and decide if changes are needed to cut costs or improve service. At the conclusion of their task, the group may recommend ideas to council or conclude the system is working well as it is.
“We will pass along our options to the council, and they will do what they were elected to do — lead the city,” said Bill Kennedy, who was quickly appointed chairman.
The committee plans to meet again at 6:30 p.m. April 1 at City Hall.
The city's precarious budget situation prompted the committee's formation and its assignment. The group faces no time constraints, and ideas discussed Thursday indicate members won't rush their work.
The group plans to collect a wide range of documents for review, ranging from budget line items to union contracts. Data pertaining to last year's consolidation of the fire department will also be sought and examined. Tours of the fire stations will be scheduled, and Kennedy suggested spending a shift with firefighters “to get a feel of what their life is like.”
Mike Bambarger liked the idea of he and other members immersing themselves in the task ahead. “We have to educate ourselves as if we're a part of the fire/EMS service,” he said.
Members are well aware their study could prove controversial. given the perception of some that aspects of the department could be altered by the outcome. For that reason, the committee must act professionally at all times, Kennedy said.
“We are potentially impacting the livelihood of some fine individuals,” he said. “I don't want our discussions played out on the front page of the newspaper. Rumors are going to be flying.”
Member Richard Showalter echoed those words.
“It's a very sensitive situation, and we need to be sensitive about it,” he said. “We need to give (the study) the utmost care and consideration.”
The group was also concerned about an order issued recently by Public Safety Director Jon Arcaro that states he is the only person authorized to comment about department operations. Arcaro has said he wants the chain of command followed in hopes of keeping fire levy on the May 4 ballot out of harm's way.
Members worried their job may be hampered if they can't talk to a wide range of department employees. “People will be afraid to talk to us,” said Bim Orrenmaa, a former city fire chief.
Kennedy said he planned to speak to Arcaro and City Manager Robert Schaumleffel Jr., about the directive.
Council President Thomas Udell and Ward 2 Councilman Charles Lewis will serve as liaisons to the group. Udell, who opened the meeting, said the city's budget situation gave rise to the committee idea.
