HARROGATE, Tenn. — The Harrogate Mayor and Board of Aldermen received an update on the expanding fire department at its meeting Monday night.

The council voted to approve the purchase of four automated defibrillators to be retained on each of the department’s four trucks. The cost for the equipment totaled $5,200, after the deduction of a grant which will cover $500 of the cost of each unit.

“They are still expensive and I completely understand that, but they are extremely easy to use… and it’s well-proven that they do save lives,” said Assistant Fire Chief Edward Pokorny.

Another grant will provide the station with additional gear including a new fire truck and new radios to replace older and less reliable equipment.

The station is currently conducting a membership drive and has added new members, all of whom have passed the fitness assessments. Fire chief Benjamin Brown and Pokorny report that they will be able to train members in CPR, including a 64 hour in-depth class, on site and may offer classes to the community in the future. They are also looking into providing first response training to members.

Anyone interested in joining the Harrogate City Volunteer Fire Department may contact them at (423)869-9211.

The skateboard park located in Harrogate city park will soon be reopened. Linda Fultz, alderman and secretary of planning and zoning, reported that plans to restore the park and to obtain cameras are underway.

Since vandalism has been a problem in the past, council members warn that future destruction at the skating park, once opened, could result in its permanent closure. The public should also be aware that constant supervision there will not be available and patrons will be responsible for their own safety.

Clear Creek Baptist Bible College student and avid skateboarder Andrew Ditty joined the meeting to announce plans to host a bible study group at the park once it is opened. The group will most likely meet on Tuesday nights.

The council also received an update on the renovations of the city’s Book Station, which should be completed by the Spring of 2010.

Council members are currently considering borrowing money from the TML bond pool to pay off the Rural Development balance of $211,517.49 and the balance of money needed for the new city hall. Currently the interest rate for the loan has not been determined.

Also under consideration is a request for a donation to CEASE, domestic violence and assault shelters located in Harrogate and Morristown. A donation will be made, though it has not been determined whether it will be a direct financial contribution or an item for the charity’s annual auction.

The council approved last months treasurer’s reports, as well as: the purchase of a truck for city maintenance and a request to Tennessee Bureau of Investigations for an originating agency identification (ORI) number that is separate from the county’s.

Lorie Settles is a correspondent for the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at correspondent@middlesborodailynews.com.㕻