CVFD calls drop for '07

Columbus Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bob Walla presented the department's annual report Monday, Jan. 28 during the regularly scheduled city council meeting.

Overall, the total number of calls for the department were down with 126. Walla said this is the lowest number of call since 1997. He attributed the lower number of calls to fewer grass fires and rescue calls, both down to 29.

However, with the large volume of grassland fuel that is now dead following frosts and freezes Walla said he expects a busy February. In January, the department made 16 calls.

The fire call breakdown for 2007 is as follows: 26 structure, 16 vehicle, 10 washdowns, eight false alarms, one public assistance and seven HazMat calls.

The department's current Self Contained Breathing Apparatus system was also discussed during the presentation. Chief Walla explained the department's need for an adequate air refill system to keep storage bottles full of air at all times. Currently, when bottles are emptied during a fire they must be hauled somewhere to be refilled.

During regular agenda items, council members approved an order calling the May 10 general election to fill alderman positions 3, 4 and 5. Position 3 is currently filled by Curtiss Schonenberg and position 4 by Chuck Rankin. During Monday night's meeting, John W. Wagner was appointed to fill position 5.

The appointment of Wagner did bring some discussion among council members. Columbus Mayor Richard Heffley began by stating he had asked council members for their thoughts but had not heard anything. He continued by stating that he had Wagner in mind.

Aldermen Richardson, Rankin and Schnonenberg said they had spoken with Wagner and would welcome him to the position.

Alderwoman Sandra Frnka said she believed the council has worked well together since Wavra's absence, due to his illness. With an approaching election Frnka said she would like to see the position remain vacant.

"John is qualified but I would like to see it stay vacant so close to the election and let the people decide," said Frnka. "If we appoint him [Wagner] we almost endorse him. I think we should let the people decide."

Other council members debated an immediate need for a full council.

"We need to operate as a full council and be at full strength," said Schnon-enberg.

Wagner was appointed with a 3-1 vote.

Candidate filing begins on Saturday, Feb. 9 and ends on Monday, March 10 at 5 p.m. The deadline for write-in candidates is March 17. Applications may be picked from Columbus City Hall, 605 Spring St.

Early voting will run from April 28-May 6.

During manager's reports, city manager David Meisell addressed several issues including the city hall improvement process, drainage improvements and city wells.

Regarding city hall improvements, Meisell showed several slides that revealed dilapidated electrical wiring at city hall along with areas not conducive to the American Disabilities Act. He also stressed the need for an asbestos assessment in several areas of the building.

"We need to correct our own electrical and code issues," said Meisell.

He gave an update on Lutheran Hill, stating that the project has stalled due to recent rains making trench work impossible.

Trouble was reported regarding the Cardinal Hill well. At Cardinal Hill the city experienced another motor failure. Mercer Controls was contacted and another control panel is on order. An update was given on the Spring well progress. At Spring well the installation of new control panels has begun, along with new piping and valves.

In other business the council: