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Board approves stretcher purchase and accepts donated rescue boat; forestry truck need remains
Summary
The Select Board approved a $3,500 used electric stretcher purchase and accepted a donated 14' Rangeley rescue boat; the board discussed but did not fund a $20,000 used forestry truck, citing storage and cost concerns.
The Andover Select Board approved purchase of a used electric stretcher from MedCare for $3,500 to replace a manual stretcher that has limited function. Fire official Jim Adler emphasized the operational need: "We have had to put patients on a stretcher that cannot operate." The purchase was authorized from the rescue/equipment budget and the motion carried.
Adler also discussed mutual-aid coverage and response times for areas such as South Arm, noting Rangeley and Errol often arrive sooner for incidents in unorganized territory. Rangeley offered to donate a 14' boat; the board accepted the donation. Adler said a dedicated forestry truck (an International setup with a 750-gallon tank, used price around $20,000) would be useful but flagged storage constraints and cautioned against using heavier apparatus unsuited for rough terrain. The board did not purchase a forestry truck at the meeting and discussed short-term storage options including local contractor space.
