Franklin nixes regional EMS plan

FRANKLIN — A plan to form a regional first aid squad to cover both Franklin and Hardyston will not go forward, Franklin Mayor Nicholas Giordano said at Tuesday's meeting of the Borough Council.
Prior to Tuesday's meeting, the borough had been working with officials from Hardyston Township and the Wallkill Valley First Aid squad on the details of forming a regional first aid squad to cover both Franklin and Hardyston as well as mutual aid to the surrounding area. Approximately 38 individuals from the area had expressed interest in joining the proposed regional squad in one capacity or another.
According to Giordano, however, the proposal stalled due to concerns from the Wallkill Valley First Aid Squad about how the process of integration would move forward.
“In a nutshell, what it was was that the Wallkill Valley First Aid Squad wasn't comfortable with how it was being done, that's all,” Giordano said. “As an organization, they were in support of doing the larger service, but when it boiled down to it, it wasn't for them. And the ultimate decision was always theirs to make because we didn't want to pressure them one way or another.”
Giordano said the Wallkill Valley First Aid Squad will continue its regular coverage of Franklin Borough and plans for the potential regional squad will be dropped. But Giordano was hesitant to put the final kibosh on the possibility of a regional squad down the line.
“Basically we stand behind our squad, but that doesn't mean a year or two from now this doesn't come up again,” Giordano said. “So is it dead in the long run? I can't say yes or no. Is it dead for now? Unfortunately, yes.”
During Tuesday's meeting, Giordano also announced the resignation of Councilman Joe Martinez, effective July 15.
Giordano said Martinez, whose term would have ended Dec. 31, resigned for personal reasons related to his job. Giordano said Martinez will “sorely be missed” and offered his thanks to Martinez for his work on the council as well as the Recreation Committee and Zoning and Planning Boards.
Borough Administrator Alison Littell McHose said the county Republican committee has been notified of Martinez's resignation. McHose said the committee will meet and will forward names of potential replacements to the Borough Council for consideration.
Giordano said he hopes to have a replacement installed as soon as possible.