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BRISTOL -- Township officials from Bristol and Mecca have begun preliminary talks on possibly forming a joint fire district to serve the communities.
Bristol Trustee Jim Cicchillo said Tuesday he met with Mecca Trustee Christen Clemson and Mecca fire Chief Tom Domes on the idea.
"Something needs to be done and further discussions held to help both fire departments. We can explore this idea more," he said.
He said other communities, such as Bloomfield and Greene townships, also may be interested in being part of a joint fire district.
Another meeting between officials from Mecca and Bristol is set for 2 p.m. June 28 in Mecca.
A meeting took place among officials from Southington, Mesopotamia and Farmington last fall to gauge interest in a joint fire district.
Bristol fire Chief Steve Craiger said there seems to be more interest from townships east of Bristol.
"We have to do something, we are dying. We can't keep putting the burden on the taxpayers for just one community. Mecca seems to be really interested in a joint fire district. I have been a proponent of joint fire districts for 20 years. The only thing that will help save fire service in this county is to join forces," Craiger said, noting it is difficult to get staff and afford needed equipment.
Craiger said there may be interest from townships besides Mecca.
He said when applying for grants, joint districts and multi-fire departments have a better chance of securing funding for equipment, vehicles and other items,
Cicchillo said if Bristol and Mecca both need a firetruck, by being together they can share vehicles, personnel and equipment.
Craiger said if a joint district is created, each township would have its own fire station.
"Sharing equipment and manpower would be ideal," he said.
Officials said other local joint districts include Newton Falls and Newton Township in the Newton Joint Fire District, Hubbard city and Hubbard Township in the Eagle Joint Fire District and Canfield city and township in the Cardinal Joint Fire District.
SENIOR CENTER
In other business, Cicchillo said an attempt to get a senior center in the township did not generate enough interest to meet a deadline by this week so the issue will be tried again in two years.
He said a board of residents and a director needed to be in place to try to get a center, but not enough people were interested.
Trustees had placed information on the township center sign and other places to see if they could get volunteers to serve on a board to oversee a center.
"It is a no-go for this year. Maybe see if there is interest in two years when we can try again," Cicchillo said.
Trustee Mark Webb said some people were interested but not enough to get everything in place by Thursday.
Also trustees are reviewing one bid received of $22,000 from Aster Oilfield Services of Bellair for the demolition of the Bristol Inn at the southwest corner of the intersection of state Routes 87 and 45.
Webb said a decision on the bid will take place at the June 27 meeting. He said if approved, the vacant building would be removed before Labor Day.
In other action, trustees:
• Set summer meetings for 6 p.m. June 27, July 18 and Aug. 15;
• Approved Hudak Excavating at $4,800 to fix the pond at the fire station, which is used for water supply for firetrucks;
• Announced a craft and car show Aug. 19 at the center.