Sandusky commission approves fire equipment purchases, park projects and four new bus shelters

The Sandusky City Commission on Feb. 10 approved a series of ordinances and resolutions to replace emergency equipment, advance park projects and add transit waiting environments.

The commission voted to declare outdated life‑saving equipment surplus and authorized purchases including a new Lucas 3 chest compression system and a LifePak 15 monitor from Stryker Sales LLC and turnout gear through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program from Municipal Emergency Services Incorporated. Commissioners also approved a resolution to proceed with engineered specifications and bidding for pickleball courts at Whiteman Weber Park and authorized purchase of four bus shelters through the Aqualas Group cooperative purchasing program from Global Industrial.

Why it matters: The items advance capital projects and equipment replacements the city says are needed for public safety, park improvements and transit amenities. Several of the purchases use cooperative purchasing contracts to expedite procurement, and the park and transit items will change public facilities and bus stop locations across the city.

Key details and discussion

- Fire equipment and gear: The commission declared older units unnecessary under section 25 of the city charter and authorized purchases of a Lucas 3 chest compression system and a LifePak 15 heart monitor from Stryker Sales LLC. The life monitor was described by staff as approaching the manufacturer’s recommended nine‑year service life; commissioners voiced support for the replacements as life‑safety priorities. The commission also approved purchase of 10 turnout gear sets (fire coat and pants) through Sourcewell; a price of about $4,100 per suit was discussed during the meeting. The fire chief confirmed older gear is donated for training once it exceeds the recommended lifespan.

- Parks and recreation: Commissioners adopted a resolution declaring the necessity for pickleball courts at Whiteman Weber Park and directed staff to advertise for bids with the engineer’s estimate included. Commissioner Murray asked whether resurfacing for pickleball would eliminate the existing ice‑skating surface; staff responded they are “waiting for a decision or some recommendations from the manufacturer” about whether the rink could be frozen after resurfacing and said the city is committed to seeking an alternative if freezing is not feasible.

- Transit shelters and locations: Staff described four specific shelter locations to the commission: near 1823 Hayes Avenue (south side, proximate to the rec center project), the relocated shelter near 1318 Tiffin Ave (across from DICK’S carryout), a site across from the Boys & Girls Club near 1825 Remington Ave, and a location on the blue route near Huron Park. Staff said funding for the shelters is secured and that purchasing multiple shelters reduced per‑unit cost.

- Other projects and contracts: The commission awarded a contract to Brilliant Electric Signs Company LTD for the Freedom’s Echo — Sandusky’s Underground Railroad legacy signage project, approved MacArthur Park capital expenditures to come from the city’s capital account, accepted two parcels into the land bank, approved Erie Soil and Water District annual cost sharing, and approved 2025 sludge hauling for the wastewater treatment plant.

Votes at a glance

(All motions indicated were adopted by voice or roll call. Roll calls recorded unanimous affirmative votes from commissioners present.)

- Consent agenda (five items: Sole Venice LLC liquor license, MacArthur Park capital funds, 2025 wastewater sludge hauling, Erie Soil & Water annual cost sharing, accept two parcels into land bank). Outcome: approved. Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

- Ordinance: declare and replace one Lucas 3 chest compression system (purchase from Stryker Sales LLC). Outcome: passed (adopted under suspension). Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0. (Provenance: transcript blocks at item presentation and vote.)

- Ordinance: purchase 10 turnout gear (Morning Pride brand) via Sourcewell from Municipal Emergency Services Incorporated. Outcome: passed. Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

- Ordinance: declare and replace one LifePak 15 heart monitor (purchase from Stryker Sales LLC). Outcome: passed. Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

- Resolution: declare necessity and approve specifications/engineer’s estimate to advertise and receive bids for pickleball courts at Whiteman Weber Park. Outcome: passed. Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

- Ordinance: purchase four bus shelters from Global Industrial through Aqualas Group cooperative purchasing program for Sandusky Transit. Outcome: passed. Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

- Ordinance/Contract: award contract to Brilliant Electric Signs Company LTD for the Freedom’s Echo Underground Railroad signage project. Outcome: passed. Tally: yes 7, no 0, abstain 0.

- Other motions: authorization for Parks & Rec to apply for a USTA grant (up to $200,000) for tennis courts; extension of the Mills School lease for Park & Rec through March 31, 2027 at $5,500/month; appointment of commission clerk Kathy Myers as records custodian; several donation acceptance motions. Outcome: all motions approved by the commission.

What the commission did not decide tonight

Commissioners and staff repeatedly described several items as contingent on follow‑up steps: procurement will proceed through formal bid processes where required; staff is awaiting manufacturer guidance on whether resurfaced courts can support ice skating; and some park designs and grant applications will be developed further before construction.

Ending note

Commissioners said the items cleared tonight will move to purchase orders or the bidding phase, and staff reported the city is coordinating timelines and funding sources for the capital projects.