By Emily Chesnic
The Northfield Village Fire Department is seeking to replace a 28-year old fire truck with a state-of-the-art vehicle, constructing it to comply with current National Fire Protection Association standards for an apparatus.
At a Safety Committee Meeting Oct. 28, Chief Jason Buss gave Council a presentation on a proposed engine, highlighting how beneficial a new truck would be for the community.
He said a committee within the department formed to consider an engine 3513 replacement project, identifying what features would be beneficial in a new apparatus.
Engine 3513 came to the village in 1992. While the vehicle is low on mileage and wear, it still is challenging for the department to rely on it for service, as technology has changed greatly over time, said the chief.
While the committee contemplated refurbishing the engine, it would be costly and not greatly beneficial, Buss told Council. He said it would cost about $250,000 just to bring the vehicle up to current standards. He added refurbishing it would not significantly increase the overall lifespan of the truck.
“It really is past its life and older than what should be on the road,” said Buss.
The chief said the current standard is to place an apparatus in reserve status after 15 years and retire a vehicle after 25 years since technology is constantly evolving.
Selling engine 3513 likely would only bring in about $5,000, he noted.
“It doesn’t have a value for firefighting anymore, said Buss. “And the truck is showing its age.”
Since the village obtained engine 3513, requirements for fire trucks have changed, including those for safety, speed, and reflection, he said.
The committee collected quotes from qualifying manufacturers, with Pierce Manufacturing and the Sutphen Corporation providing quotes that were closely examined. Buss said the original price quotes for a new fire truck – featuring all current NFBA recommendations and including a 750-gallon tank and mid-mount pump – both came in higher than originally desired. Buss said the committee then worked on a list of wants and needs, removing some items and reducing the cost down to $562,922 with Pierce – the recommended company to use for the purchase. He told Council the committee asked the companies to shrink down the overall cab, decrease the size of the body and bumper, remove the board foam system, and remove the light tower and add LED lights around the truck to lower the price tag. Buss said he believes Pierce’s product, a 450h engine, American-made by union workers, will be best for overall function. Additionally, working with Pierce would be $43,334 cheaper than working with Sutphen, he said.
Buss recommends prepaying for a portion of the vehicle and financing the rest of the cost for up to 10 years, which would make the payment at about $54,000 annually. He said the new apparatus would not be seen on his department’s budget for 2021 and likely not on the budget for 2022 either, as the first payment likely would not need to be made on a new fire truck until early 2023.
Buss told Council he would like the next truck to serve the community for 25 years. He said a new engine would help the department’s insurance ratings, allow for added safety for personnel, provide reliability, and meet the needs of the community.
Council talked about possibly purchasing a larger overall engine, not skimping on what truly is needed just to save some money.
“It comes down to cost and what Council and the community are OK with,” said Buss.
Council also discussed the possibility of MGM expanding its operations in the community, which could include a six-story hotel, creating the need for a ladder truck in the village. Buss said the project likely would be on hold for a couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He does not feel comfortable waiting to get a new truck, as the department needs one now since engine 3513 is expensive to “keep on the road.” Buss also noted a basic, 75-foot ladder truck would cost the village about $950,000. It would be his hope that MGM would financially help the village with the purchase, should the need for a ladder truck be made official.
Ambulance Purchase Through CARES Act
Also, at the Safety Committee meeting, Chief Buss told Council the fire department would be able to use CARES Act funds to replace an older ambulance. At the regular meeting, which immediately followed the committee meeting, Council officially authorized Mayor Jess Nehez, who was absent, to enter into an agreement with Penn Care, Inc. for the purchase of a 2019 Ford E450 ambulance. Buss told Council the new ambulance has “nice features” that specifically would be beneficial as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Architectural Proposals for Police Station
Additionally, at the Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief John Zolgus said the Village of Northfield is moving forward with plans for a new police building. He told Council the village soon would issue a request for qualifications for architectural design and consulting services for the proposed building. Law Director Brad Bryan said the goal is get an initial drawing of the building to determine the appropriate size and probable project cost. He said the village would retain an architect to give detailed specs and then seek a contractor for the project. Zolgus said the new building ideally would be located next to the village building.
Other Meeting News:
• Chief Zolgus told Council the village is purchasing a portal mobile radar sign, at a cost of $3,300, to determine the average rate of speed on various village roadways. He said the radar would not take pictures or be used to issue tickets.
• Council confirmed the appointment of Anthony Pistone as a full-time police officer.
• Council confirmed the appointment of Catherine Caporossi as a full-time police officer.
• Council authorized an agreement with Johnson Demolition and Construction LLC to demolish the old bank building at 10435 Northfield Road, with there being several ideas for the use of the vacant land now being considered by village administration.
• At the start of the regular meeting, a moment of silence was held for Councilwoman Jenn Domzalski and her family, as her father, a former Councilman, Jim Daugherty, recently passed away. She expressed appreciation to the village personnel, especially the safety services, for the care and concern shown to her and her family during this difficult time.
