7.0. SR 08-29-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FIRE FIGHTING APPARATUS RESERVE FUND . BACKGROUND The ERFD second line pumper, 4615, was built in 1971 and put in service in 1972. The pumper is soon at the end of its service life. The purchase of a replacement pumper must be planned for within the next three years. The cost of an up-to-date pumper would cost $300,000 in 1995. The new pumper would be similar to the existing first line pumper, 4610, which was put into service in 1979. It would be diesel powered, have pumping capacity of 1500 GPM and have enclosed seating space for three or four fire fighters. ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATION . One of the principal criteria for insurance underwriters ratings for frre protection is pumping capacity. With the increased population and property in the Elk River service area, greater capacity is required but the reliability of a twenty-four year old pumper is suspect. The Elk River service area has presently the best possible rating for a paid-on-call department. By maintaining our good fire protection ratings, insurance rates within the Elk River area will remain low. OPERATING AND SAFETY JUSTIFICATION The current pumper configuration does not include space for frre fighters, in other words it needs the support of a second vehicle to transport fire fighters to the fire scene. OSHA requirements state that fire fighters must be transported within enclosed compartments of frre apparatus. The mechanical condition of the pumper has required more attention the last three years. The engine was replaced three years ago but replacement did not appreciably increase reliability. RECOMMEND A TION It will take six months to a year to draft specifications and another year to manufacture a new pumper after the council gives approval to proceed. We recommend that 25 % of replacement cost be set aside in each of 1995 and 1996 budgets and that drafting of specifications begin in . 1996.