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Walled Lake council approves 2025 CDBG application to purchase rescue combo tool
Summary
The Walled Lake City Council voted unanimously to pursue a 2025 Community Development Block Grant to buy a Hurst ‘rescue combo’ tool and support related public‑service needs; fire staff said the combo unit would replace aging equipment and reduce weight for first responders.
Walled Lake — The City Council voted unanimously to proceed with a Community Development Block Grant (program year 2025) application that includes funding to replace aging rescue equipment for the fire department and to support related public services. Mayor Pro Tem Woods moved to approve the application; Council Member Black supported the motion and the roll‑call vote recorded all members in favor.
Fire Department leadership told council the department is seeking a Hurst Jaws of Life “rescue combo” tool to replace separate cutter and spreader units that have been in service roughly 12 years. The fire chief (name not given on the record) said the combined tool weighs about 40 pounds compared with about 50 pounds for each separate unit, and would allow the department to retire much older spare tools from 1996. Staff said two sizes are being considered to cover forcible entry, cutting of structural members and vehicle extrication.
Why it matters: Council and staff said replacing front‑line rescue tools would improve responder safety and reliability. The grant would not obligate the council to additional appropriations unless the city accepts the award and any local match requirements in a subsequent agenda action.
Council process: Staff opened a public hearing and reported no public comments on the CDBG item. After the presentation, Woods moved to approve the application; Black supported the motion. The city clerk conducted a roll‑call vote and recorded unanimous approval to pursue the grant.
Next steps: If the grant application is successful, staff will return to council with award terms and any required city match or contract approvals. The city has not yet committed local funds for the purchase pending grant award and subsequent council action.
