Council approves routine items unanimously; fire department cot purchase discussed amid cost and recall concerns
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Summary
The Highland Park City Council unanimously approved several routine agenda items, including minutes and the warrant list, and passed four omnibus items. Council members asked questions about a proposed cot system purchase for the fire department, noting high cost, a seven-year lifespan and reported recalls; staff said the cot is industry-standard,
The Highland Park City Council approved routine business and an omnibus package and held a brief discussion about a fire-department equipment purchase during its Oct. 20 meeting.
The council approved minutes from a Sept. 29 special meeting and an Oct. 6 regular meeting by voice vote. The warrant list was approved by roll call, recorded as six ayes and no nays. The council then approved omnibus items 1 through 4 by roll call (6–0). The meeting ended after a motion and unanimous voice vote to adjourn.
During discussion of the omnibus package, Council member Ross asked about a purchase described in staff materials as a cot system for the fire department. Ross said she had ‘‘Googled’’ the device and found a seven-year lifespan and several recalls and wanted to understand maintenance and life-cycle costs. Staff responded that the cot system is ‘‘the industry standard’’ used in other area ambulances, that the city purchases warranties and that updated battery systems can be an expensive component (staff cited a battery cost of about $10,000). Staff said the primary rationale for the purchase is to reduce lifting injuries among personnel.
No omnibus items were pulled for separate consideration and council approved the package unanimously. The council did not place any equipment purchases on hold during the meeting.