Township Board Passes Salary Resolution
The Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board Monday evening, Nov. 9, unanimously approved a 2016 fire territory salary resolution.
The resolution provides the following full-time salaries plus longevity benefits: fire chief, $57,130; deputy chief, $51,730; firefighter/paramedic, $46,330; firefighter/EMT advanced, $44,805; firefighter/EMT basic and probationary/paramedic, $43,485; firefighter, probationary/up to EMT advanced, $40,177.
EMS and shift captains are eligible for a $2,000 discretionary yearly bonus, depending upon job performance reviews. The department’s mechanic is eligible for $5,000.
Part-time firefighters/paramedics will be paid $13 an hour; other firefighters will receive $10 an hour.
The resolution includes a 2 percent salary increase with 1 percent longevity for each of the next two years and also covers state retirement fund distributions, time off, overtime, clothing and other benefits, performance reviews and training.
The resolution was incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement between the township and the local firefighters union, also approved Monday.
The board also approved the transfer of funds to the fire department’s new equipment line item to purchase physical fitness equipment, which will be housed at Fire Station 1 and shared with the Syracuse Police Department.
Funds were transferred from fuel and oil ($12,000), garage and motors ($4,000), electric and gas utilities ($12,000) and dues and training ($7,000).
“This physical fitness equipment will help us assure our employees remain physically fit and our employees in 77PERF (the state’s police and firefighters pension plan) have the ability to complete their physical fitness examinations as required,” said Fire Chief Mickey Scott.
In other business:
• The recently replaced grass fire truck was sold at auction for $11,750. The proceeds will be returned to the township trustee.
• The department received a return premium of $6,585 as determined by a worker’s compensation policy audit for calendar year 2014.
• The fire training class for state certification will conclude Nov. 19. “We are working on scheduling more training classes for state certification after the holidays,” said Scott. “The training room built with the second story addition at Station 1 is working great for these classes,” he said.
• The department will deliver Santa Claus on a fire engine for a tree lighting ceremony Saturday, Nov. 21, at Veterans Park in Syracuse.
As a public service reminder, Scott addressed home heating safety.
“Everyone is urged to make sure space heaters are kept away from flammable materials and far away from items like curtains, bedding or clothing.
“Those using wood stoves and fireplaces are reminded to use only dry, seasoned firewood to avoid the buildup of creosote, which can prevent the chimney from operating properly and result in chimney fires.
“Flammable liquids should not be utilized to start fires in fireplaces or wood stoves. Closing the damper too early with hot ashes in the fireplace can lead to the release of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide throughout the house. A screen should always be utilized to prevent sparks from flying into the room.”
Scott suggested anyone looking for “more tips on being prepared for winter weather” should visit www.getprepared.in.gov.
He said the department has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for township residents who cannot afford them.
They may be picked up at either fire station.
The board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Syracuse Town Hall.