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 (a 2014 Freightliner 108 SD) will be disposed once the new unit is in service. Vote: unanimous (7–0).

- Dump truck upfitting: Council authorized purchase of upfitting equipment (dump bed, plow, brine tanks, spreader, controls) from Henderson Products Inc. via a cooperative contract and approved a 5% contingency for supply‑chain issues. Vote: unanimous (7–0).

- Transitional work grant application: Council authorized the city manager to apply for transitional work program funding from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (grant amount noted in staff report $8,200), and if awarded, to execute the project agreement. Vote: unanimous (7–0).

Other legislative steps

- Ordinance 2025‑O‑03 (supplemental appropriation through 12/31/2025): second reading. Staff explained a revision to a human resources line item, increasing the previously noted supplemental appropriation from $36,000 to $56,000; council took no final action and the ordinance will return at third reading.

- Ordinance 2025‑O‑04 (expand Uptown designated outdoor refreshment area — DORA): second reading and public hearing. The ordinance would add 32 West College Avenue to the Uptown DORA. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers; the item remains at second reading.

- Ordinance 2025‑O‑05 (transfer from general fund to capital opportunities/core fund): first reading. Staff summarized the requested transfer of unencumbered cash reserves—recommended transfer $7,084,460 to increase the core fund balance to approximately $10,100,000 to finance capital projects without issuing debt. This was introduced at first reading; council did not vote to adopt on first reading.

Why it matters

The contract award for fire suppression continues a multi‑year effort to install modern fire mains and provide sprinkler service in Uptown, a project tied to public‑safety and downtown preservation goals. The truck purchases replace aging equipment used for leaf collection, snow removal and emergency responses; staff emphasized using cooperative contracts to expedite procurement and a contingency to cover supply delays. The grant application seeks state assistance to shorten injured employees’ time away from work.

Details and next steps

Work on the Uptown suppression mains for Blocks 1–2 was installed in 2024; this Phase 2 contract covers Blocks 3 and (initially) 6, with Block 6 deferred to 2026. The dump truck purchases will follow state cooperative contracting; upfitting includes technology to monitor salt application rates. The BWC grant application will be returned to council if awarded for execution of the agreement.

Votes and roll call (selected items)

- Uptown fire suppression contract (contract_award): Mayor Kenneth L. Wright — yes; Mister Washburn — yes; Doctor Coombs — yes; Mister Grimes — yes; Vice Chair Reemschneider — yes; Mister Glasgow — yes; Chairman Hayek — yes (tally: yes 7; no 0). Outcome: approved.

- Dump truck chassis purchase (contract_award): same roll call (tally: yes 7; no 0). Outcome: approved.

- Upfitting equipment purchase (contract_award): same roll call (tally: yes 7; no 0). Outcome: approved.

- Transitional work grant application (other — grant application): same roll call (tally: yes 7; no 0). Outcome: authorized to apply.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)

- topicintro: "If the clerk would please read ordinance number 20 25 dash o 3 by title, please." (block_1957.165 — excerpt from the start of legislative items and ordinance readings)

- topfinish: "The city manager so authorizes recommended by staff unanimously." (block_3242.3499 — excerpt at conclusion of equipment/manager authorizations and roll calls)

Speakers

- Kenneth L. Wright, Mayor (government — City of Westerville) - Ryan Lang, City Engineer (government — City of Westerville) - Mr. Yoder, (staff member — city finance/administration; referenced during ordinance discussion) - Service Department staff (generic staff member — government) - Clerk of Council (Sarah Yinger — clerk; read ordinances and administered procedural items)

Authorities

- Ohio Revised Code §149.43 (referenced by staff regarding public records law and clerk training).