Title
A Motion to Appoint Mr. Foster and Dr. Williams to serve as the City Council Representatives to the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund Board for the 2020 Term.
Brief Description: On an annual basis, City Council must appoint two of its members to serve on the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund Board (VFFDFB).
Body
Legislative History
The Ohio Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund was established in 1961 in Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 146, which provides for payments to the spouse or children of a volunteer (including paid-on-call) firefighter who is killed in the line of duty. It is funded by assessments based on the assessed value of property in the community. Hudson’s assessment is $150 and occurs whenever the fund balance drops below a certain amount. Typically, there are two or three assessments each year. Additional federal and state benefits are available for firefighters killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Purpose & Explanation
A local board is established each year with membership from the Fire Department, City Council and the community. Its function is to prepare and submit an application upon the line of duty death of a firefighter. Membership on the 2019 VFFDFB consists of Council members Dennis Hanink and Dan Williams, Fire Department members Jay Zedak and Shane Reid and citizen member Roger Burgess. The Board’s term is a calendar year. Barring a firefighter death or disability, the Board typically meets once a year for less than an hour.
Two Council appointments are needed. Dr. Williams is interested in continuing to serve on this Board, and Mr. Foster has expressed interest in serving, as well.
Timing Considerations
City Council must appoint two of its members to the VFFDFB between November 1 and December 9, 2019 (the second Monday of December). Members of the Fire Department have re-elected Jay Zedak and Shane Reid to serve as its VFFDFB representatives during 2020.
The Board must meet by December 31, 2019, to elect a 2020 citizen member. Mr. Burgess is willing to continue serving in 2020 as the citizen member. The annual meeting needs to be scheduled.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Suggested Action
Recommendation
Staff asks for the appointment of two Council members to serve on the Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependent Fund Board during 2020.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Jerry Varnes, Fire/EMS Chief
Elizabeth Slagle, Clerk of Council