Norwalk BET approves engine repair, staffing change and $660,064.80 for Station 1 slab replacement

The Board of Estimate and Taxation on July 7 approved three separate fire‑department items: a transfer to repair a damaged engine on a 2016 command pickup, a staffing reclassification in the fire marshal’s office, and a special capital appropriation to replace the apparatus slab at Fire Station 1.

Chief Gatto told the board the command vehicle developed a motor knock that requires a complete engine overhaul and that the truck has “less than 80,000 miles” and a sound body. He said a new vehicle would cost “over a $100,000,” and the board reviewed a $32,000 estimate for the repair. Chief Gatto added the vendor quote included about $8,000 in labor and roughly $12,000 for parts, and he said more competitive pricing might be found but was not available at the time of the agenda.

The board also discussed warranties and fleet maintenance options. Members asked whether the Norwalk Department of Transportation or in‑house mechanics could perform the work at lower cost; finance staff said the dealer was chosen because of familiarity with that engine and access to recall/service records. The chair and staff asked the chief and fleet managers to seek additional quotes and to report back — the transfer for the repair was approved as part of the bulk transfer vote.

Separately, the BET approved a staffing reclassification in the fire marshal’s office. Tom (finance staff) told members the department sought to convert three part‑time fire‑inspector positions into one full‑time inspector to address inspection backlogs and staff turnover. Chief Gatto recounted a multi‑year history of part‑time hires and departures and said a single full‑time inspector would be more productive. Finance estimated an incremental cost of roughly $23,000 for FY26; the board approved the staffing request by voice vote.

Finally, the board approved a special capital appropriation of $660,064.80 to repair and replace the apparatus slab at Fire Station 1, 90 New Canaan Avenue. The clerk read a resolution transferring the funds from the Combined Dispatch Capital Project (communications upgrade account) to the city fire department for the Station 1 floor replacement project. The chief and Mark Conti described geotechnical testing by GZA that found backfill and compaction problems under the apparatus slab. The project team recommended installing helical piles (driven, screw‑type piles) to bypass poor backfill and provide a permanent foundation; that method was chosen over full excavation because it is less invasive and allows the station to remain operational during work. The appropriation was approved by voice vote.

The BET directed staff to provide follow‑up details requested during the discussion, including any warranty/certification language for the engine repair, quotes from alternate vendors, and written background on the availability of the Combined Dispatch project funds used to cover the Station 1 appropriation.