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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 12, 2009 Page 11 weeks, and allowing the City Council to ultimately reject all bids at their discre- tion. Councilmember Pust noted the distinction in costs for Fire vehicles and equip- ment compared to other rolling stock. Additional discussion included vehicle replacement cycles and annual replace- ment of a portion of that rolling stock (i.e., Police squads); current versus pre- ferred replacement strategies and funding; the number of calls per year that this engine responds to, estimated at approximately 1500 fire and EMS-related calls, comparable to a busy engine company in St. Paul or Minneapolis; typical staffing of the vehicle with between two to four; and the department's continual evalua- tion of their vehicles and equipment, based on maintenance and life expectancy, with Acting Chief O'Neill anticipated that it would be five or six years before re- placement of another engine would be necessary, depending on the number of sta- tions determined for operation. Councilmember Johnson opined that the Fire Department account didn't seem to be the problem, when they were utilizing their depreciation as it should be and should serve as an example for the City Council in appropriating pro rata funding for other department rolling stock and equipment needs. Councilmember Johnson advised that he didn't see this as the Fire Department being rewarded, but that it appeared to be working as government should work. Councilmember Johnson noted that while previous City Council's had abandoned compliance with depre- ciation accounts, it was important to recognize this as working and move forward to address other rolling stock needs in a less problematic way. Councilmember Johnson expressed his appreciation to the Department for a refreshing look at funding that was working well. Johnson moved, Roe seconded, authorization for the Fire Department to seek bids for the purchase of a new Fire Rescue/Pumper apparatus and accompanying equipment for said apparatus. Councilmember Ihlan, while having similar concerns to those of Councilmember Pust, noted that supporting this request was not the equivalent of authorizing pur- chase; and that an opportunity to revisit subsequent purchase would be possible following further reprioritization exercises in the budget process and in compari- son with needs of other departments. Councilmember Ihlan noted that it was ap- parent that the department was thinking of long-term needs, and that there would be remaining funds to provide future efficiencies as well. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of the motion; and commended the de- partment on the work they had done in achieving this fund; and expressed her de- sire that purchase could ultimately be realized.