Wellsville: Village approves fire advisory committee-Fire Chief, Trustee not pleased

Fire Chief Barney Dillie speaks to the Board

What should have been a thirty minute village board meeting Monday night lasted two hours, with much of the time consumed over a controversial move involving the fire department. In a 4-1 vote, the village board approved the creation of a fire advisory committee that would report to the village board. Trustee and volunteer firefighter Mike Roeske opposed the move calling it "a mistake."
The initiative was prompted by board member and former firefighter Ed Fahs. Fahs proposed creating the advisory committee which would consist of former captains with at least 15 years experience from each company coupled with a chief officer. Fahs said this advisory group would have no formal authority, but would act to serve as an advisory group to village government in addition to the Fire Council.

Trustee Jeremy Cole

Trustee Mike Roeske wasn't pleased, nor was fire chief Mike "Barney" Dillie.  Dillie said there has been "a lot of misinformation circulated. Roeske said the move would undermine the chiefs. However, Mayor Randy Shayler said the village "has a responsibility." Chief Dillie explained at length about the current operations and laws. Shayler said "we're talking about the old horses...a lot of old horses in this stable...they have institutional knowledge." Trustee Roeske promptly said "it's a mistake."

Mayor Randy Shayler

Monday's action comes on the heals of months of controversy within the fire department, most recently involving the town.