By MARK TODD - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon
CONNEAUT —
Reports that Conneaut’s next fire chief will come from within the department has upset members of an ad hoc committee that recommended an outsider fill the vacancy, said William Kennedy, committee chairman.
Numerous sources have said Capt. Steve Lee, a full-time firefighter with the department, will become the city’s new fire chief. Despite the reports, City Manager Robert Schaumleffel Jr. had not issued Lee’s letter of appointment by late Tuesday afternoon, according to reports.
The ad hoc committee, created early this year, spent a handful of months examining the fire department for ways to cut costs. Among its recommendations was that the city hire someone from outside the city to fill the fire-chief vacancy, believing an outsider would have a better chance of implementing reforms.
Lee has been a full-time firefighter in Conneaut since 1997 and has logged nearly 20 years in the local fire service.
Kennedy said he understood some members of his committee were unhappy with the reports and are wondering whether their work has been in vain.
“There’s a concern on the part of the committee whether council will follow any of the recommendations,” he said Tuesday.
The city manager hires department managers, according to the city’s charter.
The committee delved deeply into fire/ emergency medical issues in Conneaut, and as a result of their research, some members changed preconceived ideas, Kennedy said. The city may find it difficult to find people to serve on committees in the future if recommendations are ignored, he said.
Bim Orrenmaa, who retired in May 2009, was the city’s last fire chief.
Jon Arcaro, in his capacity as public safety director/ police chief, took over supervisor duties. Arcaro resigned as director on Monday, choosing to work exclusively as police chief, he confirmed Tuesday.
