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Hollywood Park authorizes negotiation to sell 2022 Pierce aerial truck, seeks smaller replacement
Summary
Council authorized the mayor and fire chief to enter negotiations to sell the town’s 2022 Pierce aerial fire truck, citing size and maneuverability problems, and instructed staff to return with a plan for using proceeds to buy smaller, more suitable apparatus.
Hollywood Park’s City Council on Jan. 28 authorized the mayor, assisted by the fire chief, to enter negotiations for the sale of the town’s 2022 Pierce aerial fire apparatus, while requiring the administration to return with concrete replacement options and a financial plan before a final sale.
The Fire Chief described operational limitations with the 2022 aerial and the 2009 pumper: the aerial’s height and length limit maneuverability on the town’s narrow, tree‑lined streets, and the older pumper’s pump system will soon require major investment. "Both of these apparatus were completely inappropriate for this town," the Chief said, noting the aerial is almost 45 feet long and 10 ft. 11 in. high, and that smaller apparatuses (6–8 inches lower or notably shorter) would better fit the town’s streets.
Chief outlined options: sell the '22 Pierce now while acquiring a used aerial or pumper in the near term, order a new apparatus (4‑year build time), or refurbish the existing pumper. He stressed that a sale could generate substantial proceeds given the aerial’s low miles and hours and asked for negotiation authority rather than immediate sale.
Council members debated ISO/insurance considerations, mutual‑aid coverage, delivery lead times for new apparatus (about four years for new aerials in the brand discussed), and whether the town needs to retain a ladder truck at all given neighboring departments with aerial capability. One council member asked where the aerial would be used in town; the Chief said it would be helpful at locations such as Gallery Oaks and for three‑story apartment complexes in the town’s coverage area.
An amendment to the motion established a minimum/floor price discussed during debate. The motion, as amended, to authorize negotiations with a minimum floor (discussed in the meeting) passed by voice vote. The mayor and chief will return to council with negotiated terms and a plan for how sale proceeds would be used before any final sale is executed.
Next steps: Administration will pursue negotiations and return to council with the proposed sale price, replacement options (used vs. new), financing scenarios, and a recommended timetable before any transfer of ownership.
