Council to review costs for new fire truck and building department SUVs

UPDATE: Council deferred the fire truck proposal to the next committee of the whole meeting to review it, and a further request together, and to seek more information on the impact on the capital reserve fund set up specifically for these purchases (not for operating costs or repairs).

A request for proposal to replace Wellington’s pumper/tanker fire truck has come in under budget and if approved by council, would be delivered one year from the the date of purchase order.

Manufacturer Metal Fab, distributed by Carrier Truck Centres Inc, proposal of $352,491 was within the capital budget approval of $360,000. The old truck will be moved to North Marysburgh, and a 1992 truck there would be declared surplus and sold with estimated proceeds of $10,000 which would be transferred to the reserve for fire equipment to fund future capital needs.

The County’s fire chief and mechanic, in consultation with the fire division’s commander scored six submissions on the basis of cost, service, design, delivery and warranty. The request for proposal was designed with standard main components such as cab and chassis, engine, pump and transmission to realize savings on routine maintenance and parts inventory.

Council, at its committee of the whole meeting Thursday, will also see a recommendation to purchase five new light duty sport utility vehicles for the building department, from the lowest of two tenders, Prinzen Ford Sales, for $139,310.

The vehicles are replacements for the current fleet which the department notes has surpassed its 10-year replacement schedule.

The cost exceeds the approved capital budget of $125,000. Staff are recommending council take the overage of $16,762 from the Building Services Reserve Fund to avoid impact on the tax levy.