Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New Ashford fire chief flags engine repairs, says costs will come from department budget
Summary
Fire Chief Frank Speth told the Select Board that Engine 2 needs rear springs replaced and that recent service bills — initially above $10,000 — were reduced to just over $7,000; the department will pay repairs from its budget and plans fundraising and improved pre-purchase inspections.
Fire Chief Frank Speth told the New Ashford Select Board on Aug. 5 that Engine 2 requires replacement of its rear springs and that a hub leak identified at the Memorial Day Parade also needed repair. He said the department’s recent service work by New England Fire Apparatus initially produced a bill of more than $10,000 that was negotiated down to just over $7,000 and that those costs will come out of the Fire Department’s budget.
The issue matters for town spending and future apparatus purchases. Speth said the pump, ladder and transmission were inspected before the truck was bought, but the underframe was not, and he recommended hiring an outside technician to inspect used equipment before purchase. The department is also working to set up a Fire Fighter’s Association for fundraising to support equipment needs.
The Select Board discussed ways to reduce future service costs. Speth said the technician who serviced the trucks was on site for five days and inspected the motor, transmission, gauges, pump, vehicle frame and brakes. The board recommended performing routine fluid and filter changes in-house and scheduling major service work in April. Speth said next year he will solicit three quotes before scheduling service.
Board member Ken McInerney also said a figure attributed to the department in a recent Berkshire Eagle article was incorrect; the board did not provide an alternate number during the meeting. The board noted the bid opening for the planned fire station addition is scheduled for Aug. 19.
The Select Board took no separate formal vote on equipment procurement during the meeting; spending for the repairs, as reported, will be handled within the Fire Department’s existing budget.
