Westerville council approves uptown fire‑suppression contract, vehicle purchases and grant application

Westerville City Council on a unanimous vote awarded a contract for the Uptown fire‑suppression Phase 2 project, authorized purchases of a replacement dump truck and upfitting equipment, and approved staff to apply for a transitional work grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

The actions, taken during the council’s regular meeting, move several capital projects and fleet replacements forward and authorize staff to seek state funding to support a workplace injury return‑to‑work program.

Votes at a glance

- Uptown Fire‑Suppression Phase 2: Council awarded the construction contract to Danbert Incorporated as the lowest and best bidder to continue work begun in 2024 and to install new suppression mains and reconstruct Hamby Alley (Block 3). Council also voted to defer work on Block 6 to rebid in 2026 to seek better economies of scale. Vote: unanimous (7–0). City Engineer Ryan Lang described the scope, including undergrounding overhead utilities, new storm sewer and new paving; work was projected to begin in early spring and finish in late July.

- Replacement dump truck (chassis): Council authorized the city manager to purchase a replacement cab and chassis for Service Department truck No. 716 from Rush Truck Centers of Ohio, using the Ohio Department of Transportation cooperative contract and waiving formal source selection. The existing unit…