By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer
SUAMICO – After meeting in closed session Monday, July 15, the village board voted in favor of hiring a full-time fire chief in Suamico, said Village Administrator Alex Kaker.
The board’s action comes two weeks after hearing a staffing committee’s recommendations related to future staffing needs for the fire department, which included having a full-time chief among the options.
Assistant Chief Chris Gabryszek had told the board more consistent leadership during the day was needed in the fire department, for which he said the ideal situation would be having a full-time chief and three full-time firefighters, based on the call volume and growth in the village.
At their last meeting, board members directed village staff to find at least $110,000 in additional funding for the fire department’s annual budget, $100,000 related to full-time staffing and $10,000 for pay raises.
Kaker said he plans to meet later this month with the Fire Commission regarding a job description for a full-time chief and how to proceed to fill the position.
He said it will be up to the Fire Commission as to whether a full-time chief should be selected from among Suamico’s existing firefighters and/or be open to someone currently not with the department.
Troy Noe currently serves as Suamico’s fire chief on a part-time basis.
Kaker said he hopes the village will have a full-time fire chief start by the end of this year or early next year.
Property appraisal
In other action following the closed session, the board directed staff to obtain an appraisal for nearly 40 acres of land the village now owns at 2534 E. Deerfield Ave., which is located just east of Interstate 41.
Kaker said the village doesn’t need the land and is looking to sell it.
Kubacki gift card
The majority of board members agreed to give the former village administrator, Steve Kubacki, a $100 gift card from Cabela’s.
Kaker said the vote wasn’t unanimous with Village President Laura Nelson and Trustee Michelle Eckert dissenting.
Kubacki had been Suamico’s village administrator since 2011 before retiring the final week in May after approximately 40 years in municipal and county government.