Published in the February 15, 2019 edition

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — The Town Council discussed the $5,512,860 Fire Department budget Monday night but delayed voting on it pending continuing negotiations on the creation of a Deputy Fire Chief position.

Presenting the budget Monday night, Town Accountant Kevin Gill said that the Fire Department budget was increased by $199,558 over the current year.

Town Councilor Ann Santos said that she believed that a Deputy Chief position made sense for the Fire Department, noting that several years ago, a similar position was created in the Police Department. Santos said that the Deputy Chief position would help Fire Chief Michael Sullivan, who she said “has been balancing so many balls and doing it well.”

There was some question about whether the position of Emergency Management Director was necessary in the FY 2020 budget, assuming that those duties would be folded into the Deputy Chief position. But Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio said that even if the Deputy Chief position is created it could take about six months to fill the position.

Santos said that given that delay, she felt that it made sense to keep the Emergency management position in the budget for one more year.

Town Councilor Tony Longo asked Sullivan about the condition of Engine 2, housed at the Greenwood Fire Station. Sullivan said that the engine, built in 2000, is “getting tired.” But the chief said that he was more concerned about another engine, a 1996 Seagrave model, which recently had a substantial oil leak repaired. An article requesting funding for a new engine is being considered for the Annual Town Meeting warrant in the spring.

Sullivan was asked about staffing. He noted that the department is currently a little shorthanded with two recruits currently going through the Firefighting Academy and expected to graduate in March. Sullivan said that another firefighter has been on military leave and there have been a number of injuries, resulting in higher than normal overtime costs to keep all shifts fully manned.

After postponing the vote on the Fire Department budget to a future meeting, the Town Council approved the level-funded FY 2020 Emergency Management budget at $73,000.

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In other business this week, the Town Council:

• Approved a request from Beebe Library to accept and expend $2,310.50 in gifts from various donors.

• Approved a request from the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce for a 30-day liquor license from April 15 to May 15 for Blossoms at the Beebe.