Council authorizes letter of intent to reserve Spartan/MetroStar pumper; vote 5–1

Fire Chief Nicholas Williams asked council to authorize the city manager to execute a letter of intent to reserve a Spartan S180 MetroStar chassis pumper and associated equipment. Chief Williams said the department’s frontline engine (Engine 301, built 2016) has responded to 8,499 calls and maintenance costs have been rising; the new bulk‑order chassis offered a discounted price. The packet showed a contract total of $1,068,844 with an additional suggested basic equipment list near $95,000 if the council ultimately approves equipment purchases.

Chief Williams explained the rationale for acting now: Metro had a bulk order of 45 engines that reduced per‑unit pricing; staff had identified one chassis that fit the department’s specifications and had it unofficially earmarked until April. He estimated the city could save roughly $200,000–$300,000 by acting now compared with ordering later. After questions about NFPA life‑expectancy changes and procurement timing, council voted 5–1 to authorize the letter of intent (Councilman Bruton recorded the lone Nay). The staff recommendation said financing and final funding decisions will return to council before payments were made or full procurement steps were completed.