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Council previewed possible bond items: track replacement and fire apparatus priorities shift toward an engine
Summary
City staff previewed potential bond items discussed during budget talks: replacement of the high-school track (estimated $1.3M total) and a shift in fire apparatus priority from tanker replacement to acquiring a new frontline engine and moving an existing engine to reserve status.
At the council workshop staff previewed two capital items the city may include in a future bond package: replacement of the high-school track (with ADA upgrades and some field work) and a shift in the fire department’s vehicle priorities.
Staff said the full track project cost estimate is about $1.3 million; the funding approach under discussion is a three-way mix: private fundraising/Donor support, school capital improvement funds and a city contribution. Staff and councilors discussed phasing, donor solicitation and accessibility upgrades.
Fire Department leadership recommended reprioritizing planned apparatus purchases. Previously the department had focused on replacing Tanker 4 (a 30‑year-old vehicle). Staff said Engine 7, the reserve engine, is nearing 20 years and seats only two firefighters, which complicates current staffing models (three-person engine crews). The department proposed buying a new frontline engine to seat full crews, moving Engine 2 into reserve status and thereby keeping response capacity while making more efficient long-term replacements. Chief staff said recent repair costs on Engine 2 exceed $30,000 last fiscal year and $10,000 year to date, supporting the argument for the equipment shift.
Ending: These capital priorities were presented for council awareness; staff said final bond questions, procurement estimates and funding breakdowns will return for formal council consideration and any bond referendum processes.
