COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The Special Meeting of Columbia Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Beckwith. Present Speicher, Harrington and Landers. May absent.

Fire Protection Services

Speicher moved to appoint Columbia Township Supervisor as representative on the BBACG Fire Board for Columbia Township contingent upon similar action by the City of Bangor (Mayor), by Bangor Township (Supervisor), and by Arlington (Supervisor), seconded by Landers, carried unanimously.

Discussion: The Board felt it is important to try to replace all the members of the BBACG administrative board as they were not getting along. It was suggested the Supervisors replace the fire board members to see if they could come to some agreement to keep the fire district together. Previous court action the Townships were asked to try to work this out as the judge would like to see this resolved between the parties and not by the court. All members believed this is a good faith effort to resolve the internal conflict within the BBACG.

Speicher provided the Board with thoughts from the State Fire Marshall and Department of Treasury. The Fire Marshall believes it is important to be in a fire district, as group resources provides better financial stability and better fire protection results (equipment and volunteers). He has seen many Townships split, not be able to survive and provide adequate fire protection, however, he thought our SEV should make the other members take notice, as financially the others will feel the impact of loosing Columbia Township. The Department of Treasury is stating Columbia Township is doing the right thing and to be patient and hold a stead course. Speicher is to keep them informed as needed, they have received a letter from the BBACG Attorney. The State plans to perform a two year BBACG audit. Columbia Township is being told we are doing the right thing.

With May being absent no other issues could come before the Board.

Adjourned: At 7:51 p.m. by call of the Supervisor the special meeting was adjourned.

Kenneth J. Speicher

Columbia Township Clerk

Minutes approved by Board, April 20, 1999