(Milford)– Faced with the prospects of losing fire protection, representatives of Center Grove Township pleaded with the Milford city council Monday evening for that city to consider providing the service.
The Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire Department plans to stop providing service to the township effective June 30th, 2007.
Lynn Wallace, a former Emergency Services Director for the county, says he feels Center Grove Township is being held hostage over an annexation issue that involves Arnolds Park and the area that includes the Bridge’s Bay condominium development.
Township trustee Norvin Johnson expressed his frustration as well, saying he’s tired of “getting jerked around” by threats of fire protection being terminated by Arnolds Park. Johnson said “enough is enough” adding they want a long-term agreement with whichever fire department would be willing to serve the area.
The Milford Fire Department, siting concerns over manpower, water supplies and other issues, has recommended it NOT serve that area.
After further discussion, the council directed City Administrator Brian Reed to coordinate a meeting with representatives of the city council, the Fire Chief, Fire Board of Trustees and Center Grove Township trustees regarding the matter.
After township officials left the meeting, Reed blasted the county, saying the Center Grove Township situation boils down to “unregulated, unplanned growth in the county”. He says it shouldn’t be an issue for the city of Milford to be involved with.
