Earlier this week, a meeting was held to formalize the existing long-term relationship between the TFS Community Hall and the TFS Fire Department.
Tables were set to form a circle, and the meeting began with introductions. It was a joint meeting meant to prevent future problems, without any reason to expect them.
The issue: an informal land-use agreement exists between the hall and fire department. Formalizing it would protect both parties.
Todd Swan began speaking for the hall board: “We would never ask the fire department to move.” He then stated that the fire department needs more space and has considered moving in the past. The hall has no desire to evict the fire department but recognizes that the department needs to expand beyond the currently available space.
“You can continue relentlessly polishing that turd forever” -Todd, about the Trego Station.
With regards to moving the fire station, previous discussion has not gone anywhere. Bryan Gorman offered to donate land for the purpose- the main reason given for not moving forward in that direction was that it would decrease the service area. Todd recently asked if Mike McCurry would be willing to lease land for the purpose and confirmed that he would be. The fire department has also been considering buying land up by brimstone.
With that said, discussion of the proposed Memo of Understanding began. An MOU is an agreement to act in good faith but isn’t legally binding. The combined boards discussed and determined that the best way to move forward would ultimately be with a lease.
Tbr fire Deparment board chair said that there have not been any problems at all with the Hall, but having a contract in place is just good sense these days. “The handshake days are gone.” The hall board echoed the sentiment and asked if there was anything specific prompting the request. The answer: rumors floating around at an annual meeting made one of the fire department’s board members want to push for an MOU and greater collaboration.
The boards decided to sign the MOU at the meeting and to meet again to review a draft lease.
It was a forty minute meeting. Proof that meetings can be short and folks can get along.
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