Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Salem Lakes chief reports Station 2 refurbishment plan; board donates dive/rescue van and approves liquidation of older engine
Summary
Fire Chief updated trustees on a Station 2 refurbishment plan and the board voted to donate dive/rescue van 5852 to the Racine Fire Bells and to liquidate engine 5813, citing low local use and maintenance overhead.
Fire Chief (name given in meeting portal) told the Village Board of Salem Lakes that Station 2 needs refurbishment rather than full restoration and that plumbing and bathroom work are likely to be the most expensive elements of the project. The chief said the department is exploring a lower-cost refurbishment approach that uses public-works labor where practical.
Trustees also considered two fleet actions. The board voted unanimously in roll-call to donate the department’s dive/rescue utility van (unit 5852) to the Racine Fire Bells. Chief testimony and board discussion noted 5852 had not been used on calls since 2022 and that donating the vehicle would remove insurance and maintenance costs while allowing a neighboring mutual-aid organization to use the apparatus more frequently.
Trustee Bill Hopkins moved to donate van 5852; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with trustees voting yes. Trustees discussed whether to leave equipment on the vehicle and whether the village should request recognition on any donated unit; the chief said the recipient would assume insurance and maintenance responsibility.
Separately the board voted to liquidate engine 5813. The chief said the engine, purchased in 2009, has more than 70,000 miles and is increasingly maintenance intensive (rust in framework, air valve and electrical issues). Trustees discussed staffing and apparatus needs; the chief said current turnout patterns and staffing levels reduce the need to maintain a third large pumper in the fleet. A motion to liquidate 5813 passed (vote recorded as aye; roll-call confirmed approval).
During discussion trustees asked about alternatives for warming and recovery vehicles used during cold-water incidents and whether auction or direct sale would be appropriate for 5813. The chief said auction is the likely disposition method but the department is exploring outside buyers and will provide specifics later. Trustees also requested information about placing sale proceeds into a vehicle-replacement capital fund; staff said proceeds could be placed in capital accounts but would confirm rules for multi-year carryover.
No dollar sale prices or replacement purchases were approved at the meeting. The Station 2 update was informational; the van donation and engine liquidation were approved by the board.
