MILFORD - Sixty people in support of the town's role in assembling an attack rescue truck for the volunteer fire department wasn't enough to sway two council members' opinions.

In what was termed by some as another embarrassing "Mickey Mouse" session of Milford Town Council, town leaders bickered again over whether to have any financial role in acquiring a truck firemen say is needed.

Milford Fire Chief Ned Hunsberger said the equipment vehicle currently used can't carry all of the needed equipment to traffic accidents and fires.

As has been the case in recent months, the three councilmen remained steadfast in their positions. Don Wolferman said the town doesn't need it. Robert Beer says the town can't afford it, while Doug Ruch argued in support of it.

With nearly 60 residents - including fire and EMS personnel and police - at the meeting to show support for the truck, the board failed to support the request by the volunteer fire department to pay for a $20,000 chassis.

The fire department has sought the truck for seven months and raised $10,000 through fund-raisers.

"Have we not established a need for this?" Hunsberger said.

Despite apparent overwhelming support for the town to spend $20,000 on the chassis for a truck being assembled by the volunteer fire department, a motion by Ruch in support failed, 2-1.

However, in another motion, Wolferman and Beer agreed to discuss the issue next month when council prepares the 1998 budget. Ruch abstained, saying the issue should have been resolved beforehand.

After council voted against paying for the chassis, some in the crowd asked what it would take for Wolferman and Beer to change their stance.

One woman asked how a council member could be impeached, while others raised the issue of gathering a petition. Wolferman was asked if he would support the purchase if a petition with more than half the town residents' names was collected.

"Probably would," Wolferman replied.

Wolferman said he was embarrassed by EMT Rich Rhodes' effort to rally support for the meeting because he publicized his residential phone number. Wolferman also said he was "sandbagged" by the fire department when he went to the fire house to look at the truck.

Wolferman criticized Rhodes' role, noting that he pays neither town nor Van Buren Township taxes. Rhodes lives in a part of Jefferson Township that is protected by the Milford-Van Buren Township fire department.

Wolferman last month said he knew of people who opposed the town's role and that nobody supporting the issue had talked to him.

Rhodes pointed out that the rally shows the town supports the measure.

Funds for the truck could come from the cumulative capital development fund, which can be used for emergencies. Some town officials claim the current situation is a legitimate emergency.

The fund has $188,000, but town officials plan to use that for a fire pumper to be purchased in 2002. Beer claims by then, the cost will upward of $220,000. Hunsberger said the town could purchase one for about $160,000.

Former town council member John Lehman spoke up, telling council they need to "put their heads together" and resolve the issue.

Monday's session, which seemed to place personalities above issues, became a "Mickey Mouse meeting," Lehman said.

The level of public support, he said, merits council's support.

Nobody except the two councilmen spoke against the proposal. Wolferman said those who oppose it are scared to speak publicly. [[In-content Ad]]