Richfield subcommittee reviews fire department capital plan, debates fate of heavy rescue vehicle

Village President John Jeffords called the Richfield Capital Improvement Plan Subcommittee to order at 6:00 PM on June 23, 2025, and led members on a tour of Station No. 1, where staff displayed fire apparatus and discussed replacement needs and timelines.

The meeting focused on planning for the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan for the Richfield Fire Department. Chief Greg West told the Subcommittee the community holds an ISO rating of "5," which he described as "the best rate our community can have without having municipal sewer and water," and tied that rating in part to how much water the department can shuttle during an emergency. He said department tenders can carry about 3,000 gallons and engines roughly 1,000 gallons, and noted an ISO audit was completed in 2024 and the study is posted on the department's web page.

The Subcommittee agreed to a recommended lifecycle policy for fire engines of 30 years total, broken into roughly 10 years front-line service, 10 years as backup and 10 years in reserve. Members also agreed to maintain two ambulances rather than keep a third; the group discussed replacing ambulances on an eight-year cadence and retaining them for about 16 years total.

Committee members explored procurement options and cost-saving approaches. The group asked whether the Village could purchase an ambulance chassis first and add the patient box later; Chief West and Lt. Charles Porter said most vendors crash-test and certify chassis and boxes together and are unlikely to sell chassis alone because of safety testing standards. Administrator Jim Healy said the Village has begun internally tracking materials and labor costs for RFD vehicles and equipment to better inform future replacement timing.

Members debated whether to sell Rescue 1942, a heavy rescue used by the Hazmat and Dive teams that sees limited use. President Jeffords said he believed the vehicle "should not be replaced and potentially sold," while Trustee Dan Neu argued sale proceeds now versus later would likely not differ materially and recommended keeping the vehicle. The Subcommittee discussed alternatives and noted a trailer would cost about $10,000, shelving and interior improvements about $10,000, and a truck to pull a trailer about $60,000.

Chief West praised the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company for saving to pay for vehicles in cash and said, based on his calculations, the department "should be saving approximately $234,000-$235,000 per year." The Subcommittee agreed to try to maintain that funding level amid rising costs.

Member Dan Naze asked about turnout gear replacement and why it appears in the CIP; Chief West said turnout gear costs approximately $4,500 per employee and that NFPA standards govern how long gear may remain in service. On building ventilation, President Jeffords asked about the air exchange system installed during construction; Chief West clarified the difference between an air exchange system and a total capture system and the Subcommittee agreed to revisit that topic at the next meeting.

Trustee Dan Neu moved to adjourn at 7:53 PM; Member Dan Naze seconded and the motion passed without objection. The Subcommittee did not record further formal votes on specific purchases at this meeting and staff will continue cost tracking and bring follow-up information to a future session.