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Zion council approves purchase of battery-powered vehicle-extrication tools
Summary
The council approved a $28,343 purchase of battery-powered vehicle-extrication equipment and waived competitive bidding, citing a single-source vendor and equipment used previously by the department.
The Zion City Council on Feb. 4 approved the purchase of battery-powered vehicle-extrication equipment for the fire/rescue department at a total cost of $28,343 and waived the competitive-bid process, citing single-source availability.
Chief Street of the Fire Department presented the sales quote and said the equipment was included in the fiscal year 2025 capital projects fund. He told the council the battery-operated tools — commonly called the “jaws of life” — are lighter and represent newer technology that reduces strain on personnel.
Chief Street asked the council to recognize Jefferson Fire and Safety Inc. as a single-source vendor; he said the department had tested similar battery-powered systems and found this option preferable. Commissioner McDowell moved to approve the purchase and the waiver of bidding; Commissioner Fisher seconded. The motion carried on a roll call recorded as five ayes.
The council did not attach additional conditions to the purchase in the meeting. The chief also reminded residents about winter safety and cautioned about space-heater use during cold weather.
