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Coldwater council approves $42,000 grant-funded turnout-gear purchase for fire department
Summary
The council approved using a $42,000 state grant to buy turnout gear for Coldwater firefighters and authorized a sole-source purchase from Phoenix Outfitters to keep consistent specs; council discussed replacement timing and NFPA compliance.
The Coldwater City Council on Aug. 26 approved using a $42,000 state grant to buy new turnout gear for the city’s fire department and authorized a sole-source purchase from Phoenix Outfitters.
Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz told the council, “We received a $42,000 grant from the state of Michigan to purchase more turnout gear for the firefighters,” and said the department is using the same vendor it has for the last five years “to stay consistent with the spec that we have put out.”
Council members asked whether buying multiple sets at once would change the replacement schedule. Schmaltz said the department will continue its regular replacement plan and noted that used gear must be taken out of service after 10 years. He also said sizing and equipment interchangeability are reasons to keep consistent specifications.
City Manager Keith Baker confirmed the grant and explained that because the purchase amount exceeds staff purchasing authority it needed council approval. The council approved the resolution (number stated in the meeting materials as 3472) by unanimous voice vote.
What happens next: staff will proceed with the purchase using the state grant funds and the department will follow NFPA 1851 guidance for turnout-gear maintenance and replacement.
