By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews

Turkey Creek fire board members Corky Wong, left, Tom Hoover, Larry Martindale, Dennis Darr and John Heckaman recite the Pledge of Allegiance before their abbreviated meeting Thursday, Oct. 22. Photo by Ray Balogh.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek fire and township advisory boards held abbreviated meetings Thursday, Oct. 22. The meetings were rescheduled from their original date Monday, Oct. 12.

Fire Board

Mickey Scott was not in attendance for the meeting, but submitted his September report by email. All action requested in the report was continued until the board’s November meeting. The report stated:

• The department responded to 17 fire calls and 104 EMS calls. The fire protection area experienced no fire damage during the month.

• The department received delivery of the new fire engine ordered last year. “Our personnel are currently training with the truck so we can place the truck into service,” wrote Scott.

• Turnout gear for a new volunteer firefighter was ordered and will be delivered “in approximately 90 days” due to a manufacturing backlog.

• Scott reported two accidents involving department vehicles and the Station 1 building. He is working with the insurance carriers to remediate the damage.

• The condenser fan for the Station 2 air conditioner was replaced. “The repair company advised us we should begin looking into replacing the air conditioner soon due to the age of the unit and the recent increase with issues with the unit,” Scott reported. “We have had several operational issues within the last couple of years with the unit. We would like to obtain estimates for replacing the unit and move forward with replacing it either later this year or early in 2021 as funds in the budget will allow.”

• The department conducted a 5-mile benefit walk Sunday, Sept. 27, and forwarded all proceeds to the Hoosier Burn Camp. “We would like to say ‘Thank you’ to everyone who participated in this event and/or donated funds for this event,” Scott said.

Township Board

Township Trustee Julie Close submitted her September financial report to the board. The township disbursed poor relief in the following amounts during the month:

• Rent, $900

• Utilities, $3,254.07

• Food, $679.92

The township also transferred $84,082.35 to the fire territory general account in September and paid $7,900 for cemetery mowing services.

Close announced the township advisory board will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, on the 2021 township budget. The meeting is necessary to correct a clerical error committed by the state Department of Local Government Finance.

The fire board will next meet at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in Syracuse Town Hall. The township advisory board will meet at 7 p.m.