Public safety and equipment purchases dominated the late meeting agenda on Nov. 6.

Fire apparatus: Chief Porter presented three options for the department’s out‑of‑service 2008 aerial platform: (1) limited mechanical repairs (~$50,000) to return it to service short‑term; (2) a refurbishment quoted at roughly $400,000–$500,000 that would extend the apparatus’ life about 5–7 years; or (3) full replacement, with current manufacturer quotes near $2.5M and lead times around 36–48 months.

Council action: Council authorized immediate repairs (approx. $50,000) to return the unit to service and directed the finance director to add $500,000 to an upcoming bond issuance for a potential refurb or to help fund replacement. Council also instructed staff to analyze how removal of the aerial platform would affect the city’s ISO Public Protection Classification and the potential downstream insurance premium impact for residents and businesses.

Sewer truck purchase: Council approved purchase of a 2025 combination sewer/vacuum truck included in the capital improvement program and recommended to be bought now to capture a vendor sale price and a $100,000 trade allowance. Staff said funds are available in the relevant utility fund.

Why it matters: The aerial platform supports firefighting operations for taller commercial and multi‑story structures and affects insurance grading if permanently removed; the sewer truck supports sanitary/storm maintenance and emergency response.

Quote: "If we just went to $50,000, I feel good about doing the $50 right now — let’s get it fixed," Mayor Phillips said in discussion.

Ending: Staff will proceed with the immediate repair, add the funding request to the next bond issuance for council consideration, and return fiscal analyses (including ISO/insurance impacts) to a future meeting.