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Fire chief urges early purchase of SCBA gear; administrator says budget shifts could cover cost
Summary
Fire Chief Shane Bleeker recommended buying new SCBA gear earlier than planned and recommended the Macqueen brand for regional compatibility; City Administrator Dennis Bockenstedt said budget shifts and joint/seal and crack funds could cover the purchase. No formal authorization was recorded.
Fire Chief Shane Bleeker told the Le Claire City Council Committee of the Whole on May 18, 2026, that the Fire Department needs to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) earlier than planned and recommended the Macqueen brand because it is in wide regional use and supports buddy-breathing interoperability with neighboring departments.
City Administrator Dennis Bockenstedt said staff could shift funds within the city’s budget and suggested that joint/seal and crack funds could be used to accommodate the early purchase. The minutes record this as discussion and recommendation; the committee did not record a formal motion or vote to authorize the purchase during this meeting.
Procedural action recorded at the meeting: Council Member Barry Long moved to adjourn at 6:46 p.m.; Council Member Bill Bloom seconded and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. The minutes list Mayor Gerard and Council Members Amy Blair, Bill Bloom, Sara Gravert, Barry Long and Ryan Salvador as present.
