Fire commissioners to discuss Web site

The controversy swirling over the chaplain's link to the fire district's Web site will be among the hot topics discussed during Wednesday's board of fire commissioners meeting.

Chaplain Jack Martin linked his Web site to Spring Hill Fire Rescue's. A resident complained the district was violating the separation of church and state and wrote letters to the state attorney's office.

The district took it down and is awaiting a response from the state attorney.

Fire commissioners also will discuss the recent appointment of Ben Edwards to the board. Edwards is a long-time member of the volunteer fire police.

Fire Commissioner Rob Giammarco questioned whether it was a conflict of interest.

"When you're in the fire police, you answer to the chief," Giammarco said. "When you're a fire commissioner, you're the chief's boss. You can't serve two masters."

Edwards was appointed during a special meeting last week. He is expected to take the dais for the first time Wednesday.

He has said he would step down as fire police captain before stepping down from the fire board.

Evaluations for Chief Mike Rampino and discussions about the fire commission's bylaws also are on the agenda for Wednesday.

The public meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the district's headquarters at 3445 Bob Hartung Court.