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Firefighters's upgraded equipment will give them edge
(by Kathleen Radcliff, staff writer - August 14, 2012)
The Franklin Township trustees gave its firefighters the edge they need to put out a high-rise inferno.
On Aug. 2, the trustees agreed to pay $9,800 to purchase four high-rise packs.
According to Cpt. George Thomas, each pack is equipped with a 150-foot hose extension to battle fires that cannot be fought on ground level.
“When we had the fire at Odd Lots, we had to disconnect things and carry stuff up,” Thomas said.Richard Howard, Franklin Township fire chief, said the progress of Hollywood Casino and the possibility for high-rise hotels made the purchase necessary.
Howard said the township is second responder to Prairie Township for Doctor’s Hospital. The packs enable the department to assist another fire company by connecting hoses.
“This has been a work in progress for about six months,” Assistant Fire Chief Mark Kidd said. “But, the casino kind of bumped us up.”
Howard said the firefighters need to start training on their high-rise packs as soon as possible
“They need to know what they are doing, so they don’t get hurt,” Howard said.
Noise ordinance moves forward
The township noise ordinance is on its way to the Columbus Attorney’s Office for a read-through.
Franklin Township Police Chief Jim Timko said he and trustee Don Cook used Brown Township’s noise ordinance as a prototype.
“I believe we’re pretty complete,” Timko said.
He added concerns over barking dogs are addressed.
“Anything that barks or growls, we have it covered,” Timko said.
Township officials and residents in attendance debated curfews for power tools like chainsaws, mowers and tillers.
“If I had a neighbor out at 11 p.m. working with any of these items, I would not be happy,” Guyton said.
Others in attendence said having the curfew start at dusk could limit businesses like remodeling contractors.
“We’re telling him he’s got to stop doing business at dusk, and that can be at 4 p.m. in the winter,” Timko said.
One resident suggested a 10 p.m. cap on power tools.
“There are times when I’m out at 9:30 p.m. in the winter, cleaning a parking lot,” trustee Paul Johnson said.
“It’s your decision, and it’s your ordinance,” Timko said. “Send it to the city attorney with the 9 p.m. time and see what they send back.”
One exception to the curfew would be the use of generators in an emergency, Guyton said.
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