By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com

Police, fire and ambulance service were in the spotlight at Thursday’s meeting of the New Washington Village Council.

House fires are never good news, but Fire Chief Dick Ackerman and Police Chief Jeff Shook found some silver linings in last week’s blaze that damaged two homes in the village.

“Nobody got hurt, that’s a good thing,” Ackerman stated while giving Village Council a recount of the incident.

“We did find out that our mutual aid system works,” continued Ackerman, “Attica AVR was paged automatically along with New Washington.”

Shook also expressed his gratitude at the mutual support that was provided. He recalled arriving at the scene and, “Not three minutes later three other agencies were there.”

All told there was help from Tiro, Chatfield, Liberty Township, Attica AVR, as well as from New Washington Fire and EMS.

“Thanks to everyone that pitched in,” Shook said.

Not many details are available as of yet. Shook stated that this is an open, active investigation involving minors. Shook rounded out his police report by stating his pleasure at how the new police officers are settling in. They have been out in the community and he has been getting good feedback.

It was a busy night for discussion of safety services, and the meeting continued with discussion of the Central Joint Ambulance District board. Steve Aichholz is New Washington’s representative to that board and he reported back that they will be rebidding the contract for the service provider in the near future. There has been a problem with Life Support’s ability to become bonded. This “performance bond” is an insurance policy to protect the constituent communities who are supposed to receive service, should the provider suddenly become unable to provide said service. This is a stipulation that is required by law.

The wrinkle in this situation is that contracts are allowed to be signed without this provision as long as the bond is obtained before service begins. Shortly after the CJAD signed with Life Support, a law suit filed in Richland County made acquiring the required bond impossible for the service provider.

CJAD is considering reworking some of its arrangements, such as finances and how the tier times would be established. Because of this Aichholz was unsure if the rebid would officially take place at the next meeting in June.

A couple of the projects slated for this year have recently wrapped up. Paul Forster complimented Brian Agin and the Street Committee for recently completed paving work.

“I think they did a really good job this year,” Forster said.

Forster also admired the work that has gone on at the village park pool involving the building and lighting. He also brought up the idea of getting a sun screen for the baby pool. He has been approached by people from the community about installing a shade screen over this part of the pool and told council he would check into it.

Joe Blum added his satisfaction at the job done at Union Cemetery in time for the Memorial Day Parade. He also added that the library needs four bushes replaced.

Council made a budget transfer of $50,000 from the general fund to the street find to repair the balance. This was a pretty routine step that was in the budget and appropriated for.

The next meeting will be back at its regular time, 7 p.m., June 8, in Village Hall.