Fire chief warns of staffing and alarm-system gaps; council moves to fund hot-water tank

Fire Chief Al Boggia told the Lowellville council on Sept. 11 that emergency medical services are strained by volunteer availability and that the department is revisiting the possibility of a levy to shore up staffing.

Chief Boggia described a separate safety concern at a local high-rise: the building alarm system still alerts residents but, he said, does not consistently call out or notify occupants by phone, which tests indicate is due to phone-line issues. He said the village has exchanged emails with the building manager and the housing authority (YMHA) and urged that the account holder request AT&T service or otherwise fix the lines; he warned staff that if the issue is not resolved the village may need to implement a fire watch or provide paramedics around the clock.

The chief also requested a modest equipment purchase: a 20-gallon hot-water tank for the South Side station, with installation estimated at $1,500–$2,000. Council member Ryan McNicholas moved to approve up to $1,500 for the hot-water tank; Bob Coppola seconded the motion (no roll call recorded in the transcript for this specific motion).

Mayor Iudiciani urged council to begin looking at revenue options, including levies for public safety and road maintenance, or an income-tax increase, so departments have sustainable funding.

Next steps: Chief Boggia will supply the email exchange about the hi-rise alarm problem to the mayor so the administration can pursue corrective action; the village will monitor staffing options, including cooperative coverage with neighboring districts and potential compensation changes.