Turkey Creek Fire Board members Corky Wong, left, Larry Martindale, Dennis Darr and John Heckaman maintain safe distancing while deliberating during their Monday, June 8, meeting. Photo by Ray Balogh.

By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek fire and township boards met Monday, June 8, for the first time since the pandemic shutdown was instituted in March.

Fire Board

Fire Chief Mickey Scott personally presented his May report. During the shutdown he emailed his report to board members and the media.

• The department responded to 16 fire calls and 87 EMS calls during the month. The territory experienced $50,500 in property damage from three vehicle fires and a structure fire.

• Department personnel completed 479 hours of fire and EMS training on topics including equipment inspection and operations, ropes and knots for rescue and rappelling, various safety courses, hose advancement techniques, diversity training, bloodborne pathogens, cardiac arrest response during COVID-19 and trauma patient assessment and management.

• No monthly outdoor siren test was conducted “to avoid concern and confusion from our citizens due to the current conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and recent protests,” said Scott.

• The department is continuing to monitor pandemic conditions, with department personnel undergoing daily screenings and meeting weekly with other city, county and state public service departments. Meticulous procedures involving personal protective equipment for responders and masks and other protection for patients are being followed and the ambulances are being fumigated after each run.

• Three new hydrants were installed along East Medusa Street in Syracuse.

• “We are still planning to conduct our annual pork chop and chicken barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, July 4,” Scott said. Sales will begin at 10 a.m. for the drive-thru only event. Chicken halves and pork chops will be sold for $6 each and corn on the cob will cost $1.

Township Board

Township Trustee Julie Close presented her report for April and May:

• During April, the township disbursed poor relief of $800 for rent, $1,212.98 for utilities and $981.03 for food. The totals for May were $600, $1,297 and $867.91, respectively.

• Close maintained her regular public hours on Wednesdays during the shutdown.

• The township took in $86,538.18 in income and expended $11,077.12 during the two months. The general fund at the end of May totaled $707,305.67.

The fire board will next meet at 6:45 p.m. Monday, July 13, in Syracuse Town Hall. The township advisory board will meet at 7 p.m.