City of Parchment

269.349.3785

NEWS

Volunteers Needed for the Next Step of Envisioning Our River Project

Dear Community Members,

We would like to invite you to take another step in the plan toward Envisioning Our River by meeting to clean up the river walk area to the trestle.

Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am -12:00pm meet on Commerce Lane by the Kalamazoo River in Parchment

The bulk of the brush has been removed but there are opportunities to remove grass from the edges of the sidewalk, remove branches and vines, all enhancing the view from the trail and look-outs on the river.  Long sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves are recommended for this project.

We encourage those with wildflower and native plantings experience to come and evaluate what may be needed in this area of the river.

Donuts, cider, and water will be provided for refreshments.  We hope that you are able to come!

If you have any questions, please call 269-492-3263

Clerk & Deputy Clerk at City Hall Sunday, November 3

The Parchment City Clerk and Deputy Clerk will be in City Hall at 650 S Riverview Drive on Sunday, November 3, from 8am – 4pm.  They will be registering qualified voters for the November 5th election and handing out absentee ballots to those that require one.  A driver’s license or any other state, federal, or military ID is required for registering to vote.

Cross Connection Testing of Businesses in Parchment

Cross Connection Testing of Businesses

The City of Kalamazoo will be coming into Parchment beginning on November 1 to perform inspections on businesses for backflow prevention. This is a month long project that is required by EGLE guidelines and coincides with the State of MI Plumbing Codes. Only commercial and industrial properties will be tested at this time. Businesses without proper backflow prevention will be required to purchase a device that will protect the water supply from contamination.

In 2020, business owners will be reminded, by letter in May, to have an inspection of their cross connection. Qualified inspectors will be listed in the letter and results must be sent by the business owner to: backflow@kalamazoocity.org

 

No residential testing will be performed at this time.

Rare, Deadly Mosquito-borne Infection Risk

Kalamazoo County is experiencing widespread activity of a rare, deadly mosquito-borne disease known as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Two cases of EEE have now been confirmed in Kalamazoo County residents; other possible cases are under investigation. One of the confirmed cases has died. For perspective, only six cases of EEE were reported in the entire United States in 2018.

Most who are infected with the virus that causes EEE do not become ill. However, persons below the age of 15 or above the age of 50 years have greater risk of developing a severe infection that has high potential for permanent brain damage or death. Kalamazoo County residents will continue to be at risk for EEE infection until the first frost decreases mosquito populations. The mosquito species that transmits the EEE virus to humans is most active from dusk until dawn.

Given demonstrated human transmission of EEE in Kalamazoo County and ongoing risk of infection, KCHCSD has recommended personal protective measures to county residents which include avoiding outdoor activities from dusk until dawn and using EPA-registered insect repellent (see attached press release). Additionally, municipal, community and school leaders should consider taking the following actions:

· When possible, consider rescheduling, relocating, or cancelling outdoor activities from dusk until dawn until the first frost of the season. If outdoor events are planned between dusk and dawn, attendees should be encouraged to protect themselves with EPA-registered insect repellants that include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone and by wearing shoes with socks, light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Children under 2 months old should not use repellent but rather be covered in clothing that covers arms and legs; strollers and baby carriers should be covered with mosquito netting.

· Eliminate sources of standing water around your respective institutions and jurisdictions.

· Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.

· Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

· Encourage the use of bed nets for those sleeping outdoors or in conditions with no window screens.

· Reiterate these messages on your social media platforms.

We thank you for your partnership in protecting the health of our community.

Letter to Municipal, Community and School Leaders of Kalamazoo County – EEE

09.6.19 Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Activity in Kalamazoo County

MDHHS 8.26.19 EEE Press Release

June 28 Riverview Dr Closing

Riverview Drive will be closed north of G Avenue to Mt. Olivet in Cooper Township beginning June 28.

For more information, here is the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County’s website, see “Recent News” in the right column.

https://www.kalamazoocountyroads.com/

Kindleberger Historical Marker Fund

You still have time to donate to the Kindleberger Historical Marker Fund.  The Parchment Garden Club is collecting donations to put Kindleberger Park on the statewide historical marker map.  If you would like to donate, please send your check to 650 S Riverview Drive, Parchment MI  49004 or come in to Parchment City Hall.

 

 

Paid-On-Call Fire Chief

City of Parchment Fire Department

Posting of Paid-On-Call Fire Chief

Title: Fire Chief

Workforce: Paid-On-Call Fire Department

Service Area: Approximately 1 square mile and about 1830 residents

Salary: $ 513.09 monthly

$     9.25 hourly/admin rate per call

$    15.9075 hourly on-call rate

Benefits Package: None

Send Applications to:

Parchment City Manager

650 S Riverview Drive

Parchment MI  49004

or

Email:  manager@parchment.org

269-492-3263 – Nancy Stoddard

Purpose of the Position:  Plans, organizes, and administers the operations of a municipal fire department under the direction of the City Manager.

Scope:  Performs highly responsible supervisory and administrative work in planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Fire Department.  Work involves responsibility for the administration and coordination of all Fire Department activities and the establishment of departmental policies, procedures, and regulations including those pertaining to EMS, firefighting and fire prevention operating standards, within the limitation of laws, regulations, and policies from higher authority.  Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City Manager and is reviewed primarily in the broad interest of ensuring fire and life safety and prevention activities for the City.

Essential Job Functions:  The Fire Chief may be called upon to do any or all of the following.

Plans and supervises the operation of the Fire Department, coordinating all functions and activities.

Develops long-term plans for improving and maintaining efficient operations.

Recommends policies to maintain effective controls for enforcing laws and ordinances, and to promote and ensure better public safety from fire and other emergencies.

Issues orders to subordinate officers and firefighters for execution.

Supervises the assignment of personnel and equipment and the requisitioning of materials, supplies, and equipment.

Prepares correspondence, records, and reports.

Supervises the maintenance, repair, and replacement of firefighting equipment, facilities and other property of the Fire Department.

Directs programs on fire prevention, including inspection, investigation and the enforcement of Federal, State and local laws.

Responds as needed to emergency incidents, take command and direct operations at the scene of major fire or emergency incidents.

Provides excellent internal and external customer service.

Recommends policies and actions to the City Manager and confer regarding various practices and procedures.

Attends Department, City Commission and other City meetings as needed.

The Ideal Candidate

All of the following functions, qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, and duties are essential.  An employee in this class, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following:

  • Thorough knowledge of firefighting/ rescue/EMS strategy and tactics.
  • Must live within 3 miles of the city of Parchment.
  • Ability to plan, assign and coordinate the work group of employees engaged in fire prevention and fire control activities.  Thorough knowledge of the National Incident Management System.
  • Considerable knowledge of municipal fire administration.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain department budget.
  • Ability to maintain discipline, to lead and command personnel effectively under emergency firefighting conditions.
  • Physically active.
  • Initiative and resourcefulness in solving problems.
  • Ability to work effectively with other city officials, and the general public.
  • Ability to work effectively under stress.
  • Possess skill in operating modern office computer equipment and software.
  • Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in fire science, management or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
  • A minimum of five years of increasingly greater command responsibility in fire suppression, prevention, training and administration; fifteen (15) years fire-fighting experience; knowledge of State laws relative to labor and hazardous materials, and modern fire-fighting techniques and methods.
  • Attainment of Federal NIMS requirements.
  • Fire Officer III State certification.
  • Maintain valid Michigan driver’s license with a good driving record.
  • State of Michigan Firefighter II certified.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Maintain a positive attitude with the ability to lead by example.