By Kate White
Charleston Gazette (West Virginia)
Copyright 2006 Charleston Newspapers
A tumultuous nine-year struggle ended Monday night when the Dunbar City Council unanimously approved a contract with the city’s firefighters.
Mayor Roger Wolfe commended the city’s negotiating committee, headed by Councilman Everette Sullivan, and Terry Lilly, Dunbar professional firefighters Local 1228 president, for their efforts.
“The change in administration is the only reason we were finally able to get a contract,” Lilly said.
Firefighters in attendance were recognized and given a standing ovation by the council and residents who attended the meeting.
The new three-year contract, covering the 14 Dunbar firefighters, provides for a $1 an hour raise the first year and 50-cents an hour raises in each of the two remaining years. Firefighters will be required to pay a portion of their health-insurance costs.
In other action, the council passed on first reading an ordinance imposing responsibility for the costs of demolition and cleanup of property condemned because of methamphetamine lab contamination. The proposal was patterned after a recently enacted Kanawha County measure.
Another ordinance, updating the city’s building code, also approved on first reading. Building inspector Lewis Gandee said the 2003 version of the code is now available and updates requirements for building renovations and advanced fire prevention techniques.
In other business, Connie Fulknier, city recreation chief, announced Dunbar’s pool will close Sunday due to dwindling crowds. “Closing earlier will save the city approximately $1,100,” she said.
Fire Chief George Bossie showed the council a new thermal-imaging camera recently obtained for use by the department. Bossie said Wolfe’s efforts led to a grant by the governor’s office for the purchase of the equipment. The camera will enable firefighters to more effectively find people trapped in dense smoke and identify “hot spots,” expediting extinguishing efforts.
When the floor was open for public comment, Charles Warner, a member of the Roxalana Gospel Tabernacle, requested increased police patrols on Roxalana Road during church service hours. Accompanied by other members of the congregation, Warner expressed concerns that speeding drivers pose a danger to church members. Mayor Wolfe said his request would be given immediate attention.