It took 11 years of planning and saving to get this new piece of fire equipment for Meredith. Below are minutes of a 10/06/08 Board Of Selectmen meeting that talks about the purchase:
Since 1998, funds have been set aside in an ETF for the financing of fire equipment. In order to
meet the demands of a growing Town, the Fire Department is seeking to authorize the use of
existing funds in the ETF to purchase an aerial ladder truck. Fire Chief Ken Jones explained
how the decision was made to purchase a Pierce 100’ aerial ladder. The Department spoke with
different manufacturers and viewed apparatus at the New England fire chief’s annual meeting in
Springfield, Massachusetts. The Pierce model includes a bucket that provides for more safety
than a traditional ladder. It is anticipated that the truck will serve the Town for 25-30 years. If
the Town authorizes a payment of $727,000 within 10 days of the signing of the contract, it will
save roughly $40,000 on the total cost of the truck. This represents a greater savings than what
would be realized if the funds remain in an interest bearing account for the ten months it will
take to build the truck. The balance is due upon delivery of the truck. A performance bond
guaranty will be issued to the Town for the $727,000 payment.
Dialogue ensued regarding purchasing a demo model at a lower price. Upon investigation, the
Department learned that it would be more costly to purchase a demo model because they include
many extra features that the Town does not need.
The Board agreed that setting funds aside in an ETF for the purchase of the equipment has
worked extremely well for the Town. The Chair directed Co-Interim Town Manager Brenda
Vittner to investigate what bank the irrevocable letter of credit will be drawn on.
Selectman Palm moved that the Board authorize the expenditure of $760,897 from the ETF, and
signing of the bid proposal by Administrative Services after their review, and obtain a completed
performance guarantee from Pierce and their bank. Seconded by Selectman Worsman.
Resident Dave Sticht understood that a demo truck was going to be built to the Town’s
specifications, and the Town would purchase it at a reduced cost. Selectman Palm told Mr.
Sticht that upon further investigation, the Company was not interested in that option.
Resident Keith True commended Selectman Palm and the current Chief for saving the Town
money on the purchase. The purchase of a replacement truck was a dream ten years ago, and is
now a reality.
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