GIRARD — City officials are discussing the possibility that the Trumbull County 911 Center could soon be dispatching for the Girard Fire Department.

Fire Chief Jim Petruzzi said the Girard Police Department dispatches calls for both the police and fire department. He said if an agreement is reached with the Trumbull 911 Center, then the center would handle dispatching only for the fire department.

Petruzzi said he spoke with the county commissioners about the idea last year.

He said the center handling calls for the fire department would make it easier for the fire department to work with neighboring fire departments.

He said the calls handled by the county 911 center would be for the fire department and emergency medical service through Lane Ambulance, which provides transportation for patients to the hospital.

Petruzzi said the cost for 911 to handle the city’s fire calls would be $15,000 per year.

Fourth Ward Councilman Thomas Grumley scheduled a meeting of the health and safety committee for 6:10 p.m. March 25 before the next meeting to further discuss and review the idea.

“Nothing has been etched in stone yet,” Grumley said.

Officials said they are also waiting for the county commissioners to make a decision on using American Rescue Plan funds for a new ambulance for the city.

WELLMAN THEATER

In other business at Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Mark Zuppo said he, Safety / Service Director Sal Ponzio, Petruzzi and other fire officials did a walk through of the Wellman Theater.

Zuppo said he spoke with Girard teacher Joe Asente of the Millennial Theater Group about joining together with the city to use the Wellman Theater. He said joining together would make it easier to get grant money for the project.

Zuppo said the walk through was interesting, but noted there is asbestos and work that needs done to make the theater safer.

Zuppo also said the city gym, which went through extensive upgrades and improvements last year, is being used for volleyball, basketball and walking.

“We receive many calls each day for rentals of the gym,” he said.

Ponzio said the city is planning to enter into an agreement with MS Consultants at $97,000 for one year to serve as the city’s engineer and provide professional engineering services. Council gave its approval for the agreement on Monday.

City engineer Dennis Meeks will soon be retiring, but will work with MS Consultants to familiarize their staff with the engineering duties of the city.

“He will help with the transition,” Ponzio said.

Meeks will stay with the city for a short period at $20 per hour for up to 29 hours per week.