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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 12, 2009 Page 9 Acting Fire Chief Timothy O'Neill and Lt. Commander David Brosnahan sum- marized the Request for Council Action dated October 12, 2009, seeking authori- zation for the Fire Department to Advertise for Bids for a Fire Rescue/Pumper Apparatus and Accompanying Equipment. Acting Chief O'Neill advised that this would be replacing Engine #21, currently 22 years old, with anticipated delivery of a new truck during 2010. Acting Chief O'Neill reviewed the ages and condi- tions of other units in the current fleet, as detailed in the report; advising that the department attempted to obtain a minimum of 20 years for engines before their replacement. Acting Chief O'Neill reviewed effective fleet reductions to-date and related savings achieved over the last six years, while continuing to provide qual- ity service to the community. Acting Chief O'Neill referenced the previously completed Fire Department study and equipment analysis. Lt. Commander Brosnahan described the specifications under consideration for bid from potential vendors, a 2008/2009 model and comparisons to the current engine #21, providing for increased safety features and equipment; and reviewed recurring problems in the current unit complying with annual inspections. Lt. Commander Brosnahan reviewed the 10 member firefighter committee who had researched various vendors and units, including their teamwork and work with peer metropolitan fire departments to develop specifications. Acting Chief O'Neill addressed increasing costs in annual maintenance of the cur- rent staffed engine, which had been a demonstration model; and advised that the department's current balance in the Equipment Fund was at $680,000, of which it was estimated that the cost for this apparatus and equipment would be between $450,000 and $500,000. Discussion among Councilmembers, Acting Chief O'Neill, and Lt. Commander Brosnahan included safety considerations of firefighters, in gear and tanks, as it related to seatbelts, with the proposed unit having recessed seats and three point seatbelts, as well as safety warnings, in accordance with OSHA requirements, and in order to accommodate air tanks, and included stabilized equipment provisions for roll protection. Further discussion included status of the Fire Department's Equipment Fund in relation to other departments and their budgets and vehicle replacement funds, and action of the City Council related to those funds during the 2009 budget cy- cle; and city-wide vehicle prioritization and how this vehicle ranked in relation- ship to the needs of other departments. Acting Chief O'Neill noted that the Fire Department did not receive any funds in 2009 to add to the account; however, they had accumulated set-aside funds from previous years, in addition to interest and sale of the ladder truck; but had not pur- chased any vehicles in 2009.