City OKs funding for fire department, Charles Street sewer line, VOCA

0

GALION — Galion City Council approved several grants Oct. 25, including two for the Fire and EMS Department.

An ordinance authorized the department to purchase three new heart monitor/defibrillator units using a recently-received FEMA grant. The units will be purchased through the State Purchasing Program from Zoll Medical Corporation.

The total cost is not to exceed $101,697.99. Fire Chief Phil Jackson said the old heart monitors will be traded in, which helped to reduce the cost.

Also, an ordinance authorized the department to submit an application for the next round of FEMA grant funding. The department will apply for $195,000 in grant funds, with a local match of $9,750.

Jackson said the grant would be used to replace a 2001 ambulance, the oldest in the fleet.

“We can get a new ambulance for less than $10,000 in local money. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.

If awarded, the department would receive funding in 2017.

Both items passed unanimously as emergencies.

A third ordinance OK’d the acceptance of a grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) and the State Victims Assistance Act (SVAA) programs. The city is receiving $16,318.98 in VOCA funds and $1,417.40 in SVAA funds. The local match is $4,079.74.

VOCA offers a variety of support services for crime victims, including crisis counseling, criminal justice advocacy and VINE registration assistance. From Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 20, 2015, VOCA served 54 victims, including: 36 domestic violence cases, 1 adult sexual assault case and 17 other offenses.

Law Director Thomas Palmer explained VOCA is offered through the Law Department, and these annual grants help fund the program.

“Barb Letizia is the VOCA advocate in Galion. She has served in this role 17 years and has been a tremendously valuable asset to the city,” he said.

The legislation passed as an emergency. For more information about VOCA, please click on the link at the bottom of the article.

Another ordinance authorized the safety-service director to apply for a loan through the Ohio Public Works Commission to install 1,759 feet of sanitary sewer line on Charles Street.

The project will replace existing septic systems and a private lift station with a new gravity sanitary sewer system, lift station and force main. The total estimated cost of the project is $565,940. The city will apply for $283,000 in OPWC funds, with a $282,940 local match.

“A business in that area needed to replace the lift station it currently uses. They approached the city to request assistance with alternatives,” Mayor Tom O’Leary explained.

The project would also connect 18 households with sewer service.

This article was provided by the City of Galion.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/10/web1_Galion-Fire-Department-Generic.jpg

Special to the Inquirer

 

At a Glance

While the priority of Galion’s Victim Assistance Program is to assist victims of violent crime, the program also works to help those who are victims of any crime. These services are free and confidential and include:

  • Counseling with the victim and family members.
  • Courtroom support services including orientation, escort, safe waiting area, and court monitoring.
  • Liaison between the victim and law enforcement and other agencies.
  • Notification of court dates for all hearings.
  • Information to victims about individual case status and restitution.
  • Assistance with preparation and filing of compensation claims applications with the Ohio Victim’s Crime Program.
  • Assistance with preparing and making victim impact statements.
  • Referrals to other social service agencie.

This information was provided by the City of Galion.

 

No posts to display