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Parkland board to study options for inoperable historic fire truck, seek cost estimate
Summary
The Community Advisory Board discussed an inoperable fire truck on city property that a commissioner identified during a prior strategic planning retreat. Board members heard that making the vehicle operable could cost around $100,000 and asked staff and members to explore alternatives and provide removal cost estimates for a May 13 decision.
The City of Parkland Community Advisory Board on March 2025 discussed options for an old, inoperable fire truck parked on city land between the library children’s wing and the fire station and asked staff and members to return with a recommendation and a removal cost estimate at the May 13 meeting.
Jackie Weymier, the city’s senior director of strategy and intergovernmental affairs, summarized the item and said the board had been previously tasked to generate ideas after a commissioner raised the vehicle’s condition at last year’s strategic planning retreat. Weymier told members that a previous estimate given in discussion was roughly $100,000 to make the truck movable, even if not restored to firefighting condition.
Board members discussed several alternatives that had been suggested at an earlier meeting and in follow-up work, including: full restoration and public display; placing the truck on a concrete slab as a nonoperable statue with a plaque; restoring it as a photo destination; involving an auto club or university program to assist with conservation; using parts to create an art piece; purchasing or constructing a replica; or salvaging a portion (for example, a door or panel) for an interior display.
Kendra Crompton and others noted the truck’s historic value to longtime residents and to Ken Cutler, who had been active in preserving city history. Other members questioned whether the city should spend large sums to rehabilitate the vehicle when funds could be used for scholarships or other projects.
Board members flagged safety concerns: staff described the truck as heavily rusted, with plants and even a small tree growing through it, and not currently fenced. Several members called for an estimate of the cost to remove the vehicle and asked staff to circulate the prior ideas list to help members inspect and propose options before the May 13 meeting.
The board voted to study the item further and return with a definitive recommendation at the May 13 meeting. Jackie Weymier said staff will provide the removal-cost estimate and the prior list of ideas to the board in advance of that meeting.
