Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE TWO PIERCE PUMPER TRUCKS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Executive Summary: This is a request to purchase two (2) new custom pumpers to replace two (2) existing 20 year old pumpers currently being used by the Hudson Fire Department. The pumpers are the primary "fire attack" units that respond to over 90% of our "all call" requests for assistance. These pumpers include significant safety features and allow for improved operational capabilities for the Hudson Fire Department.
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Legislative History
None
Purpose & Explanation
The current pumpers are 20 years old and budgeted for replacement in 2014. We have had over $20,000 in unexpected component failures and associated out of service time in the past 2 years, all attributed to the age of the units. The current pumpers are not equipped with vehicle stability control, ABS braking, front or side air bags. I consider these safety features as critically needed components for the protection of our firefighters while responding to emergency incidents. These pumpers carry our personnel, 1000 gallons of water, 1100' of 5" large diameter supply hose, 1200' of 1 1/2"- 2 1/2" fire attack hose and 600' of 3" supply hose. They also carry many other critical firefighting tools that are used at incidents. A committee of 5 HFD firefighters and I evaluated 5 manufactures of fire apparatus over the past 11 months. The committee narrowed the field to their top 2 choices (Pierce & Sutphen). Members of the committee then toured both manufacturing plants and met with sales and engineering staff. The committee received preliminary estimates and specifications from both manufacturers. The committee carefully reviewed the proposals and unanimously selected Pierce to be the manufacturer that provided the most cost- effective pumper to best serve the long term needs of the residents, business community and visitors that we ...
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