By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
With $150,000 in grant money at stake, Galion City Council held an emergency session Monday night.
The monies would be used to install a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) on the East runway of the airport. Currently the east runway has a VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator) system which has been out of use for the past decade.
Prior to the City Council approving the ordinance, Kelsey Keller of Richland Engineering Limited and representing the Galion Airport, explained to the council that the FAA releases $150,000 to each city airport each year at the cost of 90% to 10% meaning that the city would have to foot $15,000 to receive funds. The deadline for the $150,000 grant requires the city airports to post bids for the improvement contract by July 26.
Galion Council also has the right to reject bids and not accept the grant money if they choose.
After three revisions, Galion held their third and final reading of Ordinance 2013-47. The ordinance authorizes the number of employees for each department.
After revisions from the first and second readings, the Galion Fire Department will have 14 Firefighters, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Captain/Inspector, and 1 Chief. The Police force will carry 12 Police Officers, 7 Dispatchers, 4 Lieutenants, 2 Special Investigations Unit Officers, 1 Administrative Assistant, and 1 Police Chief.