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Commission forms ad hoc committee after staff says no formal MOU exists for historic apparatus
Summary
The commission agreed to form an ad hoc committee after Director Mark Corso said the department has not executed a Memorandum of Understanding with Guardians of the City for preservation of historic rigs and raised insurance and liability questions; commissioners cited a prior Willman Fund allocation tied to reporting requirements.
At the Aug. 23 meeting commissioners discussed the condition of about 14 historic fire apparatus stored at Station 9 and the department—s work to formalize an agreement with Guardians of the City to preserve them.
Director Mark Corso told commissioners that department staff have been "working closely with the city attorney's office and the city's risk management office" but that "we currently do not have a formal agreement" with Guardians of the City. Corso listed outstanding issues including use of city property, liability and insurance.
Vice President Nakagio and other commissioners said the apparatus are deteriorating and flagged gaps: auto liability insurance for vehicles moved for parades or events, clarity about donor intent for Willman Fund allocations, and reporting back to the commission. Corso noted a Willman Fund allocation in Feb. 2015 of roughly $146,000 to the Guardians and the requirement that recipients report regularly to the commission.
Given the legal and risk questions, the commission agreed to create an ad hoc committee with department leadership, finance staff and Guardians representatives to clarify priorities, insurance and an MOU timeline and to locate temporary indoor storage before the rainy season to prevent further deterioration.
No formal resolution or contracting action was approved at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to pursue the MOU, insurance clarity and options for short‑term indoor storage and to return with recommendations.
