Friday 22 January 2010

Whoa - hold that pumper!

By Andrew Keogh

Cramahe Township decided on January 19 to call an additional meeting on Thursday, January 28 to decide on the purchase of a new fire pumper.

The council meeting will follow a January 27 in-house fire department meeting, where all interested parties will discuss the quotes of available vehicles and recommend a purchase.

The decision came as a response to an unusual request from the township Fire Chief, Jim Harris.

Chief Harris requested that council allow him to obtain quotes from a single source on a new truck worth up to $240,000. He also asked that council allow Mayor Marc Coombs, Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander, and himself to approve the purchase of the proposed vehicle without returning to council for approval.

Cramahe purchasing policy does not allow a purchase of this size without requesting tenders. The policy would have to be over-ridden by the requested council vote.

The chief explained that the desired standard models with 2009 engines are going fast, often within two weeks of being quoted. One of the four companies he has contacted has already sold out of the 2009 models. The 2010 models have added pollution controls which add $8-15 thousand to the cost. Custom-made trucks cost about $400 thousand or more. Mr. Harris indicated the purchase of a “stock” pumper was most timely and within budget.

Councillor Tim Gilligan expressed concern over the exclusion of firefighters and deputy chief Gary Cammack in this decision and was unhappy that no dialogue had occurred between Mr. Harris and the fire department regarding the purchase of the new pumper.

Mr. Cammack responded by indicating he had been invited along with deputy chief, John Jacobs, to join those discussions.

The typical process of purchasing a replacement fire pumper begins with the collection of specifications from the firefighters who will use the vehicle. These specs. are sent to fire vehicle manufacturers or dealerships and tenders are sent back. The department then decides on the best options available and brings them to council.

Mr. Harris’ intention was to expedite the process, with his concerns over unavailability and cost, by requesting authorization to purchase the new pumper carte blanche.

Councillor Pat Westrope voiced caution about making a hasty purchase for an item of such a cost, remarking further that council would like to see a collection of quotes from which to choose.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond questioned the dismissal of 2010 models with pollution controls adding that a “green council” might be better represented by making green choices

The township must replace its 26-year-old pumper truck in order to maintain the standard set by the insurance underwriters.

The purchase of a $240,000 new pumper would exhaust the current fire equipment reserve and tap into $30,000 from the 2010 budget reserve.

Councillor Van Egmond highlighted the need for new equipment also such as gas masks on the pumper itself, costs not currently considered in this discussion.


1 comment:

  1. ,The Green Way is not always the way to go! The only Green here is the Green in the Engine manufactuers pocket. The Cramahe Twp Fire Dept needs to replace a 26 Year Old Pumper, there are a few pre 2010 Fire Trucks available but not many. A 2010 EPA "Green" engine utilizes a process called "Regen", a system costing upwards of $10,000,this system incorporates a "burner" to burn off exhaust gases and soot..this system also requires a "special" fuel to power the "burner". The "Regen" system is initialled designed for fleet purposes, vehicles that log many Kilometers and hours, Fire Trucks sit hours sometimes days without the engine running. With the economic climate as such the Fire Dept should take advantage of available vehicles, beat the HST(which by the way applies to Municipalites also) and a possible cost savings of $10,000, Monies that could not be saved or recovered in a Revenue Negative service such as the Fire Dept.

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