Butler Township fire district strategic plan presented
BUTLER TWP — Scott Frederick, the township’s director of emergency services, delivered a report and a strategic plan for the fire district to the board of commissioners on Monday, March 17.
In October 2024, commissioners hired Delta Development for $35,763 to create a strategic plan to suggest improvements for emergency response.
“The board of commissioners has a legal obligation to provide fire emergency services to the community, and the board wanted to ensure that the services provided were cost-effective, timely, compassionate and efficient,” Frederick said.
He said Delta Development found the fire district was efficient on scene and had modern equipment, a solid financial footing and good training. Further, the township was willing to work with the fire district to meet its needs.
However, the strategic plan also recognized challenges the fire district is facing.
“There are some challenges with daytime responses, which is common across fire services. In the report, it said 77% of the residents of Butler Township don’t work in Butler Township, so our daylight staffing is relatively limited,” Frederick said.
The plan also determined challenges with retention and cooperation with the township on administrative and operation procedures. It also found the fire district saw increases in EMS assist calls, a decline in building fire calls and a steady trend of crashes.
According to Commissioner Ed Natali, the township established teams between itself and the fire district to begin implementing plan objectives.
The board also accepted a bid for the Whippo Avenue storm sewer project.
The board received seven bids on the project, ranging from $65,729 to $142,345. The lowest bid, from Bauer Excavating, was accepted.
Township manager Tom Knights said the project is expected to begin in April and run for “about 90 days.”
Any closures to come from the project are still to be determined. Knights estimates at least a two-day interruption for paving.
The next board of commissioners meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 6:30 p.m.
