Lenoir City Council accepts low bid for fire truck repairs; approves downtown swap meet permit and bills

Lenoir City Council voted April 28, 2025, to accept a low bid to replace the engine and transmission on Fire Apparatus 2 and approved several routine items including a downtown swap meet permit and payment of city bills.

Fire Department staff reported the city rebid the work and received three bids. The low bid for the engine was $71,775 and for the transmission $9,551. Staff recommended awarding the work to Driven, whose owner, Austin England, was named in staff comments as the company's point of contact. Council noted staff had requested references and that references provided favorable turnaround times.

“We have three references that have used [Austin England],” a staff presenter told the council. “He said once he receives the truck, that he will have it in and out of his shop in two weeks.” The presenter also said the worksite would likely be in Maynardville if towing were required.

Councilor Evans moved to approve the repair contract award and Councilor Shields seconded. The motion passed on roll call with all recorded votes in the transcript recorded as “aye.” Council discussion included a staff recommendation to replace the transmission while the engine work is performed to avoid duplicate labor.

On a separate item, the council approved a request from Joshua Vargas to use a parking area on South Eighth Street for a swap meet in May 2025; the request had been approved earlier by the Downtown Merchants Association. The applicant was not present at the meeting; staff represented the request.

Council also approved routine business including minutes, the consent agenda, and a motion that “all bills are to be paid when properly approved and funds are based available.” A final motion to adjourn concluded the meeting.