•9-17-08 - Wrightsville Fire Department Pursues A Change•

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From York Dispatch: http://yorkdispath.inyork.com/yd/top/ci_10486505 ____________________________________________________________________ Wrightsville fire dept. wants a name change CARL LINDQUIST The York Dispatch Article Last Updated: 09/17/2008 01:54:13 PM EDT Wrightsville's hometown volunteer firefighters want to make it clear they're not under the borough council's thumb. The fire department is pursuing a change of name and charter to reinforce its independence from the council, fire officials said. Department members said they are tired of meddling by some borough council members. But a councilwoman at the center of the dispute says the council should have some oversight of the department since it is subsidized by taxpayer dollars. Wrightsville Steam Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 members unanimously voted Thursday to look into changing the group's name and charter, which were created in 1876, said fire chief Fred Smeltzer Sr. Name: The tentative new name of the fire department would be Eastern York Fire & Rescue, Smeltzer said. The charter would be changed to say that the department's mission is to protect Hellam Township and any other contracted areas, without specifically mentioning Wrightsville. The department is located within the borough, but also serves Hellam Township. Both Smeltzer and company president Len Urey said fire officials are tired of questions from some council members about how the department handles affairs unrelated to fire protection. The changes would make it clear to everyone that the department is not under the borough's control. "We are always under scrutiny as to what we do not related to fire protection," Urey said. The problem came to a head recently after the borough's recreation commission in August asked to use the fire hall for a fundraising bingo event. Conflict: After the fire department declined, borough councilwoman Mel McDonald showed up at Urey's house, and a confrontation ensued, Urey said. McDonald insisted that the department allow the commission to use the hall. McDonald said the department should allow the recreation commission and other local organizations to use the hall. It is one of the few places in the small borough that can host events, she said. They are held in the bay that houses the fire trucks. She noted the department is supported by borough taxpayers and an annual fundraising drive. Smeltzer said the fire department gets about $25,000 per year from Wrightsville. About $65,000 comes from Hellam Township. The total annual operating budget is about $136,000. "They want you to send money every year, but they don't want to give," McDonald said. "It's a two-way street here." Both Urey and Smeltzer said the fire department turned down the recreation commission because the event would have forced the department to relocate personnel and equipment. Leaving the expensive fire equipment outside can lead to damage by vandalism and weather, Urey and Smeltzer said, adding that the department personnel need to be in the fire hall in case of emergency. Some borough council members have contacted Smeltzer to discuss the situation, he said. He is willing to meet with them as long as other fire department officials are present. Councilman Larry Kirkessner Jr. said he wasn't aware of the gravity of the situation. But Kirkessner said he believes the council should work out its problems with the department. He and McDonald agreed that it does an excellent job protecting the borough. "If it could be sat down and worked out, that's what should happen," Kirkessner said. "They are the fire department in our town and this town needs them." ___________________________________________________________________