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Mark Piechowski, Redgranite Fire Chief, discussed the engine replacement proposal during the Redgranite Village Board meeting on April 17.
The C70 Chevy Truck Chassis was purchased in 1986 by Welch Fire Equipment at total build cost of $83,977. The truck will no longer pass the pump test performed annually by fire insurance rating officers. Full repair costs are unknown, but the cost to start finding the leak will cost $5,000. The truck is now 37 years old, and with the age of the steel piping, locating leaks could lead to replumbing of the whole truck. The cost of repairs on the engine has already cost the department $16,000 with the replacement of the fire pump.
The department feels that it would not be cost efficient to continue putting money towards the repair of the truck. Parts are difficult to find due to the age of the vehicle. The truck also has a manual transmission, which is not as safe to operate as less people know how to drive these vehicles now.
In order to lower the cost and receive the truck within a year, the department has decided to downsize. When the department is re-evaluated next year, the truck must be certified to be used as a fire engine. If not, all private and commercial insurance rates will rise because of the department’s rating drop. Completely losing an engine would affect the insurance costs even more. The estimated completed engine cost with chassis is $450,000. Chassis delivery would be at the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024, with completing engine delivery late 2024.
Community members questioned the board if ARPA funds could go towards the purchase of the engine. There is approximately $45,000 left of the funds, but there are still upcoming expenses being covered under ARPA. The use of these funds could help with the village’s portion of the down payment towards the engine. The board approved the use of $17,800.52 of ARPA funds for the cost of their portion of the down payment of the new engine.
The fire district will be meeting next week to make a final decision, with a representative from the village board attending. The communities of Leon, Marion, Mt. Morris, Warren, Lohrville, and Redgranite will all have to agree on the decision.
Redgranite Library Director Jeannie McBeth had also requested the use of ARPA funds for security cameras for the library parking lot. McBeth stated that she understood that the engine was more important and the library could use funds they have set aside along with more fundraising. Three of five board members voted to deny the ARPA funds for the library.
McBeth also spoke with the board about establishing a farmers market and craft fair in memory of Lucille Clark. The library requests that their parking lot be shut down from 8 a.m. to noon, with the Redgranite Lions offering parking in their lot at that time. Craft vendors would be able to set up in the library parking lot, alongside with the library’s summer reading program activities. There would be no fee for vendors, but a donation to the Redgranite Library would be appreciated. The library would also like to use money from Lucille’s memorial to purchase more planters to help beautify the parking lot. The board approved the closure of the parking lot for the farmers market. The library will go over more details on the schedule for this summer.
The board was presented with a resignation letter from elected Village President Barry Mastricola. Due to other commitments, he is no longer able to fulfill the role. The village is currently without a president until the board appoints one or a special election is held.
The board also approved:
*2023 Leaf Pickup for April 24-May 5, 2023 Brush Pickup for May 15-19, and 2023 Large Item Pickup for May 29-June 2.
*Renewal of “We Clean”/Jolene Maldonado to clean parks for 2023 summer season with a proposed renewal amount of $150/week.
*Closing Dearborn St. from back east corner of fire station to back of Sanicker’s Pub for annual fire hose testing. Scheduled for July 24 or another acceptable rescheduled date.
*Redgranite Area Fire District using the Village’s street barricades for the annual fire hose testing.
*Operator’s License for Katie Garrow (Dollar General).
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