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Mansfield approves donation of old rescue truck to technical schools, clears purchase process for new pumper
Summary
The council unanimously approved donating a surplus 2001 rescue truck to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and authorized the finance director to execute a purchase agreement for a new Pierce rescue pumper after the fire chief outlined fleet needs and station-fit issues.
The Mansfield Town Council on June 8 approved two fire-department items: donating an obsolete rescue truck for vocational training and authorizing steps to acquire a new rescue pumper.
Chief Roach described Rescue 207, a 2001 Ford used for 25 years, as surplus and increasingly expensive to maintain. "It's gotten to the point where it's gonna cost more than it kind of is value to the community," Roach said, and he presented a plan to donate the truck and retired rescue tools to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and regional technical high-school programs so students can gain hands-on experience. Council moved and accepted the donation unanimously.
Roach also explained the need to replace a 1994 Pierce engine that has exceeded its expected service life. A truck committee evaluated vendors and recommended another Pierce; the committee noted a lead time of three to four years. Roach warned that the standard-size replacement is taller than the Eagleville station's 10-foot doors and will need to be housed in one of the other two stations with 12-foot bays if delivered. "This truck may be under a tarp for a year or two," Roach said, adding that buying a custom, smaller truck to fit the older station would reduce capability and raise cost.
Councilors discussed procurement methods and contract protections against price escalation. Roach said the administration plans to use the SourceWell cooperative contract because it does not include the escalator clauses present in some other government contracts. He said the town has not paid a deposit or signed any contract and that the finance director will review contract terms before execution. A motion authorizing the finance director to execute a purchase agreement with Firematic Supply Company for the Pierce enforcer rescue pumper was approved unanimously.
The council did not record a roll-call tally in the public transcript, but the chair announced the motions passed with unanimous assent.
