Selma council approves six-year lease to replace ambulances' cardiac monitors

Selma — The Selma City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 16 to approve a six‑year lease‑purchase agreement for nine Lifepak 35 cardiac monitor‑defibrillators and associated equipment, funding the payments from the city’s ambulance fund.

The monitors, which Fire Chief Webster told the council are “the only devices that we can utilize to restart a heart that’s in cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm,” will replace a mixed fleet that includes devices beyond their recommended service life. The measure authorizes the city manager or designee to execute related documents and includes a service plan covering maintenance and repairs during much of the lease period.

City staff said the department currently operates eight monitors of mixed models and ages, including a 21‑year‑old LifePak 12 the chief described as “no longer serviceable.” Purchasing nine new, identical devices will standardize training and reduce operational risk caused by staff using multiple device models. The lease will run six years; after the lease the devices become city property and can be used through the remainder of a typical 10‑year service life.

Chief Webster told council the lease payments are fixed and budgeted; he said, “This will be a 100% funded through the ambulance fund.” Staff also presented an optional six‑year service plan packaged with the purchase that covers repairs and routine calibration, which the city estimated would reduce unforeseen repair costs compared with prior years.

Theresa Salas and other members of the public asked about spare units and training. Webster said the purchase includes an additional unit for reserve use and that manufacturer training will be provided for all three shifts; the department had run a multi‑month trial earlier in the year with the same model.

The resolution (listed in the meeting packet as Resolution 2025‑91R) was moved and seconded on the floor; the call for the roll produced five affirmative votes from Council members Avalos, Oseguera, Trujillo, Osagura and Mayor Robertson. The motion passed and the lease purchase was approved.

Council members and staff said the ambulance fund is expected to cover the fixed annual payment and that future expansion (if the city adds ambulances) could be funded through additional procurement or separate negotiations with the vendor.

The council took the action under new business; there were no dissenting votes recorded.