MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Borough Council is giving the West End Fire Company and the American Hose Chemical and Fire Company an ultimatum - merge or else.
This was the decision made Thursday night at the monthly meeting after a recommendation from Mayor J. Kevin Jones.
"I'm tired of it. This is the time to make a decision. You're either the borough council and you'll make a decision or you're just a bunch of guys hanging out," he said to the borough.
Jones, while the mayor of the borough, does not have any votes on council.
Talk of the proposed merger began more than a year ago, but members of the borough council have made it clear they feel neither company is attempting to move forward with the venture.
The talks stalled amid problems, including fluctuating membership, extensive damage to buildings and equipment, lawsuits and other legal issues, such as the sentencing of former American Hose ambulance committee chairperson Thea Tafner for federal charges of embezzling up to $1.8 million from the company over a 10-year period.
Members of council, including Robert Shirmer and President Tony Matulewicz, said they think American is purposefully holding out in order to "suffocate" West End, forcing a shut down so members would have no other choice but to join American Hose or other fire companies in town.
Two struggling companies, instead of one larger, stronger one, could affect the townspeople, according to Jones.
"I don't like to be the bad guy, but I'm concerned about the town's safety," he said.
Shirmer, also the president of American Hose, agreed that something needed to be done, but noted West End would have to merge with American and not the other way around, because of the extensive damages to the West End building.
The borough spent $24,000 to fix the roof and water damage at the West End building and will keep insurance money to cover that cost. The building still has some damage.
"The logical thing is (West End) to go to the Americans. It's a better and bigger building," said Vice President Leroy "Chico" Moser.
Councilmen Robert Barrett and Joseph Lapotsky made and seconded the motion to order the two fire companies to have a completed merger agreement by the July 18 workshop meeting. It passed 6-0. Shirmer abstained from the vote because of a conflict of interest.
If the fire companies do not have an agreement by July 18, the council will hammer out the details for them. The borough cannot force the companies to merge, but they can shut down one or both buildings since they are borough-owned, effectively giving the companies no choice logistically.
Lapotsky and Barrett made and seconded the motion to order the American Hose to vacate the three ambulance bays and social quarters, and to remove all property from those areas. The motion passed 7-0. The council will use the extra space for storage and equipment because the borough garage is uninsurable due to roof damage.
Other business
Lapotsky was sworn in as the newest member of council at the beginning of the meeting. The position was vacated when Ronald Tanney resigned in April for health reasons.
Lapotsky was a business education teacher at Tamaqua for 34 years and served as an adjunct instructor for both Reading and Luzerne community colleges, teaching a variety of business administration courses. In addition to his educational endeavors, Lapotsky said he has knowledge and experience in construction and vocational areas. Lapotsky also served on the Conyngham Township Board of Supervisors from 1982 to 1986.
"I am very proud to have him here," said Jones, noting his education, business and construction experience. "He's a great community leader."
Laptosky said he looks forward to working with every member of council.
In related business, Laptosky's resignation from the Mount Carmel Borough Zoning Board was unanimously accepted.