Oak Ridge increases fire apparatus maintenance contract after inspections find major repairs

Council approved a resolution to add $100,000 to the existing contract with Siddons Martin Emergency Group LLC for inspection, testing, repairs and preventive maintenance of the fire department's apparatus, bringing the not-to-exceed amount to $300,000.

"We found some issues, which it was great to fix, some issues related to drivetrain, steering," the city manager said in introducing the amendment after a thorough inspection. The fire chief said inspections showed front-end rebuild needs on frontline engines and that the additional funds would cover identified repairs through the next round of biannual maintenance. Council discussed preventive maintenance schedules, warranties and budgeting; the chief recommended budgeting roughly $250,000 with a $50,000 contingency in future years once equipment is brought up to standard.

The resolution passed 7'0'00. Staff said the contractor performs maintenance on-site when possible and that the contract requires adherence to NFPA standards and manufacturer recommendations; parts warranties were noted as present in the contract but specific warranty terms were not read aloud.