Boardman Trustees approved the sixth change-order for the township’s new main fire station at Market St. and Stadium Dr., increasing cost of construction by $34,227, and to $3.512 million.
      David Mickey, of ms consultants, said the additional costs were associated with revisions to floor finishes, changes to a fire tower window (changing it to a door to accommodate fire-fighter training), a revised public address system, as well as revisions to overhead-door control buttons and signal lights.
      To date, six change-orders have increased the cost of the new station by nearly $150,000, Mickey said, adding they “should conclude around $209,000.”
      In approving the construction of the new station, Trustees Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Costello ‘set-aside’ about $300,000 for change-orders.
      “I can’t understand why these [change-orders] weren’t contained in the original plan,” Trustee Moliterno said to Mickey.
      “You are correct,” Mickey responded, adding “I know we have set aside money in the original plan for change-orders, but it not our expectation that we spend it.” The change in the tower window, was not contained in the original plan, Mickey said.
      Another issue to overcome, Mickey said, was gaining approval of a traffic signalization proposal.
      “J. Herbert Construction is having problems with that. I’m not sure what the hold-up is,” Mickey said.
      “We are entitled to have work done in a timely fashion,” Trustee Costello replied.
      In opening the meeting, five Boardman police officers were promoted.
      20-year veteran Ed McDonnell was promoted to the rank of captain.
      Promoted to the rank of lieutenant were John Paul Allsopp and Richard Balog; and Jon Martin and Michael Sweeney gained promotions to the rank of sergeant.
      Police Chief Jack Nichols, who will retire in less than 20 days, said the promotions were part of a big transition in his department, noting FBI agent Todd Werth will take over on Dec. 28.
      “The police department does a good job, day-to-day. These men are an example of that work,” Nichols said.
      Chief Nichols had kind words for four officers who did not receive promotions, including Sgt. Paul Grimes, Det. Glenn Patton, Ptl. Darrell Wagner and Ptl. David Sheely.
      “These are four great candidates for future positions,” the chief said, adding that Patton will be soon working with the FBI Task Force.
      Patton also addressed Trustees, to thank the Boardman Fire Department for its efforts at a recent fire at his home. A fire in he kitchen trapped his wife inside he structure, but the couple’s 18-year-old son re-entered the home to take her to safety.
      “I am very appreciative of the efforts of the fire department,” Patton said.