City reports: fire chief details structure fire and FEMA grant; police chief plans patrol car purchase

Fire Chief Noah Hallman told the council the department responded to a fully involved structure fire on Dec. 8 in the 200 block of East Main. Hallman said the first engine arrived in about 7 minutes, 38 seconds and crews knocked down the blaze before it spread to two nearby houses. He thanked responders for their work.

Hallman also reported the department received a FEMA grant to purchase a gear dryer (cited in the transcript at $13,072) and a Unimac washer extractor (cited at $16,583) to launder and dry turnout gear; the equipment is expected to arrive by next year. Hallman noted NFPA certifications and the need to speed drying times to keep crews available during winter operations.

Police Chief Mike Smith told the council the department plans to place an order for a new 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptor patrol vehicle to replace the 2017 unit. The transcript records a base vehicle cost of $45,766 and associated sales tax; the department intends to retain the 2017 vehicle as an optional spare and to auction older vehicles as needed.

City Administrator Sandy Wells also summarized conversations with Mid-Columbia Economic Development about sidewalk grants, including programs that target sidewalks within two miles of schools and other grant options to repair sidewalks downtown; Wells said staff would follow up with grant contacts and a DOT representative visiting the Broadway parking site the next day.

Councilmembers thanked the fire and event volunteers and offered holiday greetings. Staff will proceed with procurement and grant follow-up as appropriate.