Grafton to fill second full‑time fire position; council hears town‑hall and public‑safety reports

The Village of Grafton council voted unanimously Feb. 3 to fill a second full‑time fire position after the fire department presented January activity numbers and staffing needs.

Councilmember Kilgore moved to fill the second full‑time fire position; Councilmember McCort seconded and the motion passed with all Ayes. The fire report in the meeting record shows 47 requests for service in January, 10 mutual‑aid gives, two mutual‑aid receives, 12 smoke alarms replaced in the previous five weeks and six residential lockboxes installed so far this year. The department also reported it is seeking to hire Melissa Conrad as a fire marshal; the transcript records the department’s intent but does not record a separate vote on that hiring.

The meeting opened with Mayor Duke reporting that a recent Beacon Park town hall drew a good turnout. Village Administrator Andrew Lipian said the town hall was successful and that he was glad residents were able to be heard. Lipian and others also recognized the streets department along with Chief Thompson and Sergeant Jake for snow‑removal efforts following recent storms.

The police department reported 680 calls for service in January and 40 mutual aids, according to the meeting record.

During public comment, Nolan True urged the village to consider using inmate labor for snow removal and referenced the charter and charter review commissions. The comment was recorded but no action was taken on that proposal during the meeting.

The council later entered an executive session; the transcript does not indicate whether staffing or hiring matters were discussed in executive session or whether additional personnel votes were taken afterwards.