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Council accepts $600,000 grant for ambulance and approves purchase of stretchers and stair chairs
Summary
The council authorized acceptance of a $600,000 Nassau County grant for a new ambulance and approved purchases of two power‑load stretchers and four stair chairs under a municipal buying group; one councilor abstained on the equipment purchase over price concerns.
The Long Beach City Council on Dec. 17 voted to accept a $600,000 Nassau County grant to fund a new ambulance and related medical equipment and approved city purchases of two power‑load stretchers and four stair chairs.
City Manager Dan Creighton told the council the county grant requires no local match and will provide half the money up front and the remainder after contract conditions are met. City Controller explained the funds are a county ARPA pass‑through that must be contracted by Dec. 31, 2024, with expenditures completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
During discussion of the equipment purchase, councilors and staff reviewed vendor invoices and warranty pricing for the Stryker StairPro model 6252 stair chair. Joe Miller, a city technical representative, said one line item represented the unit price and another the warranty and maintenance plan. Council member Lester expressed concern that municipal buying‑group prices were high compared with online retailers and said he would abstain on the procurement vote because of cost worries. The council voted to adopt the purchase with four yes votes and one abstention.
Members of the public, including volunteer and professional firefighters, thanked the council for pursuing grants and equipment funding. A union representative said the new equipment will help a busy ambulance fleet, and residents encouraged the city to pursue additional ARPA funds.
Votes at a glance
- Item 2 — Resolution authorizing the city manager to accept a Nassau County grant for the fire department ($600,000): Adopted (vote recorded as unanimous yes). - Item 3 — Resolution authorizing purchase of two power‑load stretchers and four stair chairs through the Savick buying group (includes warranties/maintenance plans): Adopted (4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain — Council member Lester abstained).
What the approvals mean
The grant acceptance allows the city to contract for and receive county ARPA funds to acquire a replacement ambulance and equipment; the city controller emphasized the contract deadline and the city’s obligation to spend the funds by Dec. 31, 2026. The equipment purchase adds power‑load stretchers to the ambulance fleet (bringing total power‑load stretchers in service to three, per council discussion) and supplies stair chairs and warranties for emergency responses.
Next steps
Staff said Joe Miller and procurement will finalize contract and purchasing details under the Savick buying group and monitor warranty and maintenance agreements. The controller and city manager will ensure county contract obligations are met within stated deadlines.
