Flat Rock council approves $788,885 fire engine purchase, votes to waive bidding
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Summary
The Flat Rock City Council unanimously approved buying an in‑stock Spartan fire engine for $788,885 and voted to waive the formal bidding process; one councilmember recorded a dissenting vote on the waiver.
The Flat Rock City Council approved the purchase of a fire engine priced at $788,885 and voted to waive the competitive-bid process to buy an available Spartan chassis vehicle, council members said during the meeting.
The purchase was presented to the council as a chance to replace a 35‑year‑old apparatus quickly. A staff presenter said the vehicle is available now and could be delivered by Thanksgiving instead of waiting years for a custom build. "We could actually if the order is placed... get a truck here by Thanksgiving," the presenter said.
Council members emphasized the tradeoffs between price, lead time and the condition of the existing pumper. The presenter said competitive options either cost significantly more or have multi‑year build times: Pierce had a four‑year lead time and other manufacturers quoted two to three years and higher prices. The presenter said the city is using a state-directed spending grant to fund the purchase.
During discussion, council members asked staff to check whether the vendor price could be obtained via a purchasing consortium or a piggyback contract from another municipality. Councilmember Bergeron asked specifically whether the supplier participates in state or consortium contracts. The presenter said staff had not confirmed a piggyback or consortium contract and would follow up.
The motion to waive the bid process and proceed with the purchase carried after roll-call votes were read aloud. When votes were called by name, Councilmember Bergeron recorded a "no" vote; the other named members on the roll call recorded "yes." The presenter noted the legal requirement was for at least five members to be present and for the waiver to be unanimous under the city's charter language the presenter cited.
Council left a procedural request that staff confirm whether an existing contract vehicle (state contract, piggyback, or purchasing consortium) could be used; if such a contract exists staff would report back. The presenter also said continuing to operate the old pumper was becoming expensive; he cited a $14,000 repair estimate for the existing pumper.
If staff confirms a piggyback or consortium source that changes the procurement path, that information must return to council for final confirmation. Otherwise, the council's action authorizes buying the in‑stock Spartan engine now.
Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to return to a future meeting with documentation about any available contract vehicles and any further procurement details; no new vote on the purchase was recorded at the meeting.
