Baltimore dept. receives FEMA grant

By Eric Schaadt
The Courier

NORTH BALTIMORE, Md. — After years of trying, the North Baltimore Fire Department has finally received a federal grant to replace some rescue equipment, Village Council was told Tuesday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the department $135,043 to replace air packs and related equipment, according to Fire Chief Ted Francisco.

The village's share for the matching grant will be $7,107.

This is the first FEMA grant the Fire Department has ever received, Francisco said.

The grant will replace 17 air packs, bottles and other equipment, he said. Some air packs are 1989 and 1997 models.

Francisco said he has been applying for the grant for three years.

"Good job, Mr. Francisco," Councilman Aaron Patterson said.

"Excellent," added Councilwoman Janet Goldner, who chairs council's Public Safety Committee.

In other Fire Department matters, council is drawing up a contract to renew its mutual aid agreement with the Henry Township Fire Department.

Separately, council will meet with the Findlay construction firm of Helms and Sons to discuss plans for the north side sewer line separation project, which was bid for $6 million.

The meeting will be held March 6. Mayor Mike Julien said a "framework of a construction schedule" will be addressed.

Separately, council wants help with its cable bill.

Time Warner, Verizon and Frontier supply Internet, land line service and other wireless service to various village departments.

Village officials expected savings from recent contracts, but are not sure they received any.

"It's kind of a convoluted thing," Mayor Julien said.

Council will try to arrange a meeting with Time Warner representatives.

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