Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Fire Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cushing selectmen authorize chairman to negotiate purchase of used fire truck
Summary
After debating rust and pump-test results, the board directed Chairman Alton Grover to negotiate starting at $25,000 for a used fire truck and authorized him to take proper action to complete the purchase; the minutes record a discrepancy in the vote tally.
The Cushing Board of Selectmen discussed a proposed purchase of a used fire truck and directed the board chairman to negotiate a purchase price starting at $25,000.
Chairman Alton Grover and Fire Chief Arthur Kiskila reported on their inspection trip to Vermont. Grover said the truck’s cab, tires and body appeared acceptable but that the frame showed rust consistent with exposure to liquid calcium; he said the rust leaves him unsure whether buying the vehicle is prudent. Kiskila said the pump test passed and that he believes the department should buy the truck, hoping it will provide about seven years of service.
Selectman Martha Marchut said she attended a grant-writing class and encouraged pursuing grants for fire apparatus, while Selectman Heidi Alley suggested other for-sale options locally. Selectman Daniel Staples cautioned the board to be prudent with taxpayer money and expressed reservations about the truck.
After discussion, Selectman Laurie Haynes moved, with Selectman Martha Marchut seconding, to direct Chairman Grover to negotiate a price beginning at $25,000. Haynes amended the motion to authorize Grover to take appropriate steps to complete a purchase after negotiations. The minutes record the motion as carried "3-0-0" and note that Selectman Daniel Staples left the meeting to attend a clam meeting and that Chairman Grover abstained; the minutes therefore show an apparent inconsistency between the recorded tally and the noted abstention/absence.
The motion instructed the chairman to lead negotiations; Chief Kiskila was explicitly told not to contact the seller (VRS Sales) directly during negotiations. The board also asked the fire department to pursue grant opportunities.
The meeting record does not specify a final purchase price, a timeline for completion, or whether any warranty or inspection contingencies would be required as part of a purchase. The matter remains at the negotiation stage and any final purchase will be subject to the chairman’s negotiations and subsequent board procedures.
