Councilors at the Mentor on the Lake meeting directed the administration to rescind its prior intent to purchase a new fire apparatus and to return with three fully specified bids and supporting documentation after several members said they had not been given adequate justification before the administration moved forward.

Why it matters: The proposed apparatus is described in the meeting as a near‑$1 million purchase intended to replace or consolidate existing heavy rescue/aerial capacity. Council members said spending at that magnitude requires full, documented justification, a review of alternatives and clear procurement steps before the purchase proceeds.

The discussion began after councilors said they had learned that administration had already pursued an intent to purchase a pumper apparatus. Councilors emphasized the difference between appropriating funds in a budget (which they said had occurred) and approving an expenditure. Several council members said they expected the administration to obtain and present three complete, apples‑to‑apples quotes for the fully equipped vehicles, not just base truck prices.

Fire Chief (unnamed in the record) told council that maintenance costs, unavailable replacement parts and corrosion were driving the safety and operational justification: "The maintenance costs alone justify replacing the truck. ... It has an improved lighting package, which allows people to see the truck better. It has anti‑lock brakes... It holds more water." The chief also said recurring pump‑test repairs and leaks are evidence the existing unit is reaching the end of reliable service.

Opposition from some council members focused on process and prior spending. One councilor noted the city spent about $36,000 earlier in the year to repair the existing truck and questioned whether that repair was appropriate if the apparatus was functionally obsolete. Others pressed for evidence of specific safety failures, operational downtime and a lifecycle‑cost comparison between continued repairs and replacement.

Council directed staff to rescind any prior intent to purchase and to prepare a resolution and presentation showing three fully detailed bids (base truck plus required modifications), full maintenance records and justification for the recommended configuration. The chief said he would prepare the three bids with full specifications and a written maintenance history to present before the next possible meeting.

No formal purchase vote occurred. Council said it would review the new materials before any purchase authorization; until then, no expenditure for the new apparatus was approved.