Steamboat Pilot & Today

Oak Creek — The Oak Creek Fire Protection District board may decide at a meeting tonight if a paid, part-time fire chief is needed in the town.
Board President Jerry Greenwood called a special meeting to discuss creating the job and to go over budget issues.
Oak Creek Fire Chief Chuck Wisecup approached the board about possibly hiring him for the position last month. He is paid for 20 hours a month to head up the department. Wisecup said he feels it's time to get someone paid to do the job in south Routt because of the increased amount of time that is needed for fire issues.
"I've been looking at this for about two years," Wisecup said.
With the potential development in the Stagecoach area, as well as other parts of south Routt that are under the jurisdiction of the fire district, and the possible adoption of a uniform fire code, Wisecup said the position is justified.
He also said a long-range capital improvement plan is needed for district.
Board member Steve Jones said the position could be needed and the board could decide on appointing Wisecup to the job at the meeting, which will be at 7 p.m. at the Oak Creek Town Hall.
However, he said he believes it needs to be talked about further.
"I don't think we should be dealing with a person and a position at the same time," Jones said.
Though Wisecup could be the man for the job, Jones would like the board to decide on the need for the position and then open it up for applicants.
Wisecup said he mainly is looking for input from the board on the possibility of adding the position. He also needs the direction of the Oak Creek Board of Trustees on the matter.
If Wisecup were to be appointed to the position, it would mean a readjustment of his responsibilities as the director of public works for Oak Creek.
The initial plan would be to move Wisecup to part time with the town, dedicating most of his workday to the water and waste-water systems, Wisecup said. That move would go along with a recent recommendation to the town from the Colorado State Health Department that someone is needed to spend more time on the water infrastructure, he added.
Wisecup said he also would help out on other projects in the town if he is needed.
The day-by-day responsibilities of the director of public works would be given to the Public Works Department Assistant Foreman Tom Holiday, who has worked for the town for seven years.
The town board has to discuss this option in more detail, Wisecup said.
"I just want to do what's best for both communities," he said.

To reach Doug Crowl call 871-4206 or e-mail dcrowl@amigo.net