MOTION to authorize the expenditure of up to $30,000 from Account
3.
#0210-21020401-54325 (AES - CNR -Fire Apparatus) for the purchase of a used Fire
Command Vehicle and to grant a bid waiver for the same amount for the purchase.
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan
Discussion: Councilor Saccone suggested a “Friendly Amendment” to increase the
dollar amount from $20,000 to “up-to $30,000” noting that the used vehicles that
were available for $20,000 had high mileage and were in need of additional repairs.
Therefore, he stated by increasing the dollar amount to “$30,000” that the town
would be able to obtain a better value in the purchase of a Fire Command Vehicle.
Councilor Buhle stated that she would accept the “Friendly Amendment” to increase
the dollar amount to “up-to $30,000”.
Councilor Ryan questioned whether there was enough funding in the Fire
Department’s Apparatus Replacement Capital Improvement Account to support the
additional $10,000. Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield stated that
although the Account had adequate funding, that the additional $10,000 would
slightly impact the account, noting that they were currently waiting for the cost
estimate to repair the Gales Ferry Fire Chief’s vehicle that was in an accident on
January 1, 2024. However, he stated that they could make the Fire Apparatus
Replacement Schedule - Capital Plan work. He stated that he agreed with Councilor
Saccone’s recommendation to increase the appropriation to up-to-$30,000, noting the
value/condition of the vehicles and additional costs associated such as moving the
equipment (radio, lights, etc. ) from the current vehicle to the purchased vehicle.
Councilor Ryan stated he valued the work that Administrator of Emergency Services
Steve Holyfield has done on the Fire Apparatus Replacement Schedule -Capital Plan;
however, he wanted to make sure that using an additional $10,000 would not upset
his finely planned capital investments. Mr. Holyfield explained that the Fire
Apparatus Replacement Schedule - Capital Plan does not include the actual sale
value of apparatus and equipment that the town surpluses at the end of its lifecycle.
He noted as an example that the Ledyard Center Fire Department Brush Truck was
next on the schedule for replacement. He stated although he may include $25,000 as a
revenue for the sale of that vehicle in the spreadsheet, that they may actually receive
$40,000. Therefore, he stated there were some tangibles in this dynamic Fire
Apparatus Replacement Schedule document in terms of pricing, revenues, and
expenditures.
Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield continued by noting that
although he requested a Bid Waiver, he did not specify a vendor, explaining that he
had some discussions with Signal 5 Fire Apparatus of Long Island New York, which
was a company that sells pre-owned fire and emergency vehicles. He stated Signal 5
Fire Apparatus had some good leads on a variety of used Command Vehicles noting
that the prices range from $10,000 - $20,000; and $30,000 - $40,000. He explained
the difference between the two pricing levels, was that the higher priced vehicles
would come pre-loaded with the command board, radio, lights, etc., which would
actually be a cost savings.
Councilor Ryan noted at their December 13, 2023 meeting the Town Council
approved to extended the Standing Bid waiver for Police Vehicles to include the
purchase of general pool vehicles for the Town’s fleet for various Departmental
needs. He stated because this was for the Fire Department, that he did not know
whether the purchase of the Command Vehicle would fall under that authorization.
