Council hears plan to refurbish aging fire engine; staff to return with contract options
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Summary
Fire Chief presented cost and timeline comparisons for refurbishing a 2005 Type 1 engine versus ordering a new engine; council asked staff to return with a formal proposal and funding options.
The council received a briefing on the fire department’s fleet needs and indicated it wants staff to return with a formal proposal to refurbish one reserve Type 1 engine.
Fire Chief Wallace told the council the department solicited quotes this spring for both refurbishing an existing engine (Unit V138, a 2005 Pierce Arrow XT) and for purchasing a comparably equipped new engine. Chief Wallace said the refurbishment estimate is about $760,000, including a roughly 15 percent contingency, and the refurbishment timeline is approximately six to nine months. A new engine quote was “just over $1.2 million” with a current build time quoted at 49 to 52 months. The chief said a properly refurbished engine has an expected service life “at least 15 years” and would include a one‑year workmanship warranty and component warranties on new parts.
Chief Wallace framed the recommendation as a request for council direction to return with a formal contract and funding options. Council members discussed timing for future apparatus replacement, grant opportunities, and fleet lifecycle recommendations from a 2023 community risk assessment. One council member noted that industry practice generally treats heavy‑use Type 1 engines as frontline for 10 years with a further five years in reserve; Chief Wallace said the city’s fleet has exceeded those recommended frontline lifespans in some units.
Public comment on the item was brief and supportive of whatever option is most effective; one resident asked about prior examples and commended the department’s presentation.
Why this matters: The decision affects public safety capacity and capital planning. A refurbishment can deliver a serviceable engine sooner and at lower near‑term cost, while buying new requires a multi‑year lead time and higher upfront cost.
Next steps: Council asked staff to return with a formal refurbishment contract, funding options and assessment of other reserve apparatus as part of multi‑year fleet planning.