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Covington council votes to join MABAS and moves on urgent radio and vehicle needs
Summary
Covington council approved joining the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), discussed a regional fire training facility, and authorized repairs and near-term purchases after officials warned radios will be obsolete by 2026.
Covington Mayor Crain and the City Council voted Nov. 4 to join the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System and discussed several near-term public-safety equipment needs.
Fire Chief Kagels told the council the city will host a regional fire training facility on Thorn Hill near River Road, expected in spring–summer 2025, and said the center should help improve the city's ISO rating. Kagels also reported the annual MABAS membership is $271; Councilmember Smith moved to join and Councilmember Martin seconded. The motion passed 4–0, and the mayor said Ordinance 2024-15 to formalize membership will be drafted for the next meeting and signatures.
Chief Foster told the council the department’s 2018 Ford Explorer needs a water-pump repair quoted at $3,000 and said staff will bring quotes for a 2025 replacement vehicle at the next meeting. Councilmember Smith moved to repair the 2018 Explorer; Councilmember Easter seconded and the motion carried 4–0.
Foster also said three portable and three mobile radios must be purchased soon because the department’s current units will become obsolete by 2026; he said he will present quotes at the next meeting. After Councilmember Randles asked about speed/photo radar units, Foster said he would check costs and whether DNR funds might be available to help with acquisition.
The council took no final action at the Nov. 4 meeting on the training facility itself beyond Kagels’ announcement; the MABAS vote and the Explorer repair motion were the explicit actions recorded.
