The council this week unanimously authorized the city manager to execute a contract to buy a fire engine for a maximum of $700,000.
The council also increased the city budget by $600,000 to offset the cost.
“As you recall, last council meeting we acknowledged the receipt of the grant agreement from Southern California Edison for $600,000,” said City Manager David Maistros. That grant, as previously reported, was to buy a new fire engine.
“Now the fire chief did not wait around. He went out and found one,” Maistros said.
Maistros described the fire engine as one that met the fire chief’s needs.
Background
According to the staff report prepared by Fire Chief Michael Alegria, Avalon received quotes from vendors for a wildland fire engine with four-wheel drive.
“Though the least expensive option, the BME Summit from South Coast Fire Equipment has a 30-36 month build time. City Staff have determined the City will be best served by an engine on Island as soon as possible,” Alegria wrote.
“South Coast Fire Equipment offers the Pierce International WiIdland Apparatus. This vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive and could be utilized in the interior of the Island as well as in town. Pierce is a well know apparatus in the fire service,” Alegria wrote.
According to the final staff report, the Wildland Apparatus will cost $654,388.40.
As previoiusly reported, $600,000 will come from Edison International. (See ““Edison International to buy fire engine for Avalon,” at thecatalinaislander.com.)
“The City of Avalon will have to pay the remaining $54,388.40 plus barge to the island. There is currently $335,093.00 in the vehicle replacement fund, Capital Improvement Project # 234501, Account #10245-6871,” Alegria wrote.
“With this vehicle, the City Fire Department will be able to provide support for a fire in the interior without removing an engine from city limits. Furthermore, the addition of this vehicle to the City Fire Fleet, may help with future ISO Ratings,” Alegria wrote.
Discussion
Councilmember Mary Schickling asked if she had to recus herself from the vote. Schickling is an Edison employee.
City Attorney Scott Cmpbell said she did not because this was a contttact for the Fire Department did not involve a contract with Edison.
“Cool,” Schickling said.
The council members had no questions.
In other news
The council also unanimously authorized the purchase of a 2025 Honda Pioneer 1000 and MEDLITE Transport Deluxe (MTD-103) Rescue Bed for a maximum of $35,000 from Huntington Beach Honda.
