The Chelsea Area Fire Authority (CAFA) met on Tuesday, June 17, and it was the first meeting attended by Chief Jim Payeur since his farming accident almost a month ago.
When it came time for Payeur to give his chief’s report, he said that “I was probably the biggest activity for May.”
Payeur was referring to the farming accident that he sustained on May 23. Payeur reported that there were no major incidents in May, but he “wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers, and everything they did – my guys, my staff, and all the things they did to help me and my family, and then to carry on the mission at hand, and that’s taking care of the citizens of the area we serve.”
Payeur continued by saying that “I’m really happy to be here, it could have been a whole lot worse than it really was. I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done, and I’m glad to be here in this room.”
In other business, plans for the proposed Lima Township substation are moving forward. A motion to approve and sign the lease, per the discussion that the lease date would not be effective until CAFA takes occupancy of the building expected later this year.
The lease is dated June 1, showing commitment by CAFA to lease the building, but no rent will be paid until CAFA moves in, which is expected to be sometime this fall.
The motion was approved 4-1. Chairman Rod Anderson voted no, saying that he wants to see actual numbers on how much the project will cost, and how soon the initial investment would be paid off.
CAFA board member Kurt Kosek presented CAFA with a check for $250 from his employer, Consumers Energy. This is part of Consumers Energy Volunteer Investment Program, recognizing Kosek’s volunteer status as a member of the board for CAFA.
In other news, Firefighter Roger Chapman has accepted a position with the Romulus Fire Department, leaving CAFA with nine full-time staff members.
Discussion also took place on a succession policy in light of the chief’s recent accident, and a policy is expected to be established at next month’s meeting on July 15.
