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Council schedules public hearing to authorize up to $2.5M borrowing for fire apparatus; extends Coast Guard docking license
Summary
Council set a public hearing for Oct. 20 to consider bonding up to $2.5 million to secure a long‑lead fire aerial apparatus and approved a temporary extension for a Coast Guard vessel to dock at Prescott Park through Oct. 31, 2025.
The Portsmouth City Council on Oct. 6 voted to schedule a public hearing and consider borrowing authorization of up to $2,500,000 to allow the city to sign a contract for a replacement aerial fire apparatus.
City Manager (staff) said lead times for the specialized apparatus can reach 60 months; signing a contract now would secure Portsmouth’s place in the production line, with payment and bonding occurring when the apparatus is delivered. Fire Chief Bill McClellan told the council current lead times for aerial apparatus are as long as five years and said the department is aiming for delivery by 2030. Councilors moved to schedule a public hearing on Oct. 20 to authorize the borrowing resolution; the motion carried.
On a separate item, the council approved a short extension of a license allowing a Coast Guard vessel to berth at Prescott Park through Oct. 31, 2025, waiving dock fees except for electricity. Staff said the Coast Guard’s dock at Newcastle required repairs and that the extended berth is for Coast Guard operations and auxiliary use, not for commercial purposes. Councilors asked staff to track whether the city is receiving commensurate services in exchange for waived fees and to consider valuation of docking rights in future discussions.
Next steps: The council will hold a public hearing Oct. 20 on the borrowing authorization and consider a bonding authorization in a future meeting; staff will monitor and report back on any future requests from the Coast Guard regarding Prescott Park docking.
