Drexel Heights board authorizes radios under regional grant, ambulance repair and a pool car purchase

The Drexel Heights Fire District board on Nov. 20 authorized the fire chief to issue purchase orders for three operational items: the district’s share of replacement radios covered by a regional grant, repairs to a 2014 Type I ambulance and purchase of a 2020 Ford Escape to serve as a pool car.

Chief Douglas Chappell told the board the district participated in a regional radio grant coordinated by PCWIN and Northwest Fire District. The regional grant was approved and covers most of the radio cost; the district’s match is approximately $23,700. The district expects to receive 45 radios with a total value to the district of about $225,000; the grant includes an allowance for installation and programming. The board authorized the chief to issue the purchase order for the radios to Northwest Fire District when the equipment is received (motion by Gary Bynum; second by James Bertrand), approved 5-0.

The board also approved repairs to ambulance Shop 1403 after Fleet Services determined the engine must be replaced to keep the 2014 unit in service. Click Ford (Green Valley) submitted the lowest quote of $15,000; the board authorized the purchase order for that repair (motion by James Bertrand; second by Charles Zang), approved 5-0.

Separately the board authorized the chief to purchase a 2020 Ford Escape from Click Ford in Green Valley to serve as a pool car for the HR Manager and the Director of Health, Wellness and Risk Management. The vehicle purchase was anticipated in the Capital Reserve budget; the car will remain at administration and not be taken home. The motion carried 5-0.

All three authorizations were recorded in the meeting minutes as unanimous votes. The board did not change tax rates or adopt new long-term debt in this action.

Sources: Chief Douglas Chappell’s report and motions recorded at the Nov. 20, 2020 telephonic meeting.