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Burns Harbor fire chief reports truck damage, seeks repairs and approval to buy bunker gear
Summary
The fire chief described two recent vehicle incidents that led to repair invoices and asked the council to approve payment and to authorize purchase of up to five sets of replacement bunker gear (not to exceed $17,000). Council discussed insurance implications and budget lines before referring purchase and funding for further action.
Burns Harbor Fire Department leadership reported vehicle damage and repair needs and asked the town council to authorize payment for repairs and to approve an order for replacement bunker gear.
The fire chief described two separate incidents affecting department apparatus. One set of repairs stemming from an earlier (2024) hydraulic-fluid and related repairs totaled about $2,697; the chief moved to approve the invoice and a roll-call approval was recorded. A later incident in May involved a fire engine backing into the firehouse door, which damaged the rear door framing and hinges; the chief said an estimate to complete necessary metalwork and body repairs was approximately $8,332.32 and asked whether to pursue an insurance claim or pay from town funds.
Budget context and council discussion: Treasurer and staff reviewed available line items. The chief and finance staff identified account 4362 (General Fire Equipment Repairs) with roughly $19,170 budgeted, of which $12,473 was already encumbered from a prior year, leaving approximately $6,696 available in that line. Council members discussed transferring funds, using encumbered funds, or covering the remainder from the general fund; one council member asked the chief to check insurance implications before submitting the larger purchase order.
Bunker gear request: The fire chief requested authorization to purchase five new sets of bunker gear to replace expired or out-of-service second sets. He said 30 sets exist at the station, many past the manufacturer-recommended 10-year life or subject to excessive washing; five active sets are expired and a sixth will expire next year. The chief applied for an outside grant to cover one set ($3,300) and reported that the grant award for $3,300 was received. The chief moved that the council approve up to $17,000 for five new sets; a motion was made and seconded during the meeting; council members asked staff to ensure proper accounting of donor/grant funds and to clarify whether a single purchase order can allocate one set to grant money.
Insurance and procurement follow-up: Council asked staff to check whether repairs should be submitted to the town’s insurer and whether using outside vendors would affect existing paint warranties on apparatus. The chief said he would provide invoices and follow up with the clerk/treasurer and the council about formal purchase orders and potential transfers.
Ending: Council approved the smaller past-due invoice on roll call and directed staff to investigate insurance consequences and accounting steps for the larger repairs and bunker-gear procurement before final payment or encumbrance.
