West Manatee Fire Rescue is going shopping.
After several months of deliberation by commissioners, Chief Tom Sousa received permission to shop for a new ladder truck for Station 2 on Cortez Road and a new fire boat.
The district’s 100-foot ladder truck, which has been in service for 10 years, was advertised for sale at the price of $550,000 in November 2015. The price was reduced in January to $490,000.
Sousa told commissioners Feb. 18 he expects a $490,000 offer within two weeks from a volunteer fire district in South Carolina.
“They fell in love with it when they saw it,” Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski said of the five-person team that visited Station 2 to view the vehicle. “It fits their needs better than it fits ours.”
WMFR’s issues with the ladder truck include weight, size and maneuverability on Anna Maria Island. If the ladder truck sells, commissioners gave Sousa permission to initiate an agreement with Pierce Manufacturing to purchase one of three units coming off the assembly line over the next few months.
After researching and receiving bids, Sousa recommended a Pierce stock engine at a cost of $797,000.
The new truck will be a single rear-axle with a 107-foot ascending ladder. It would take the place of both the ladder truck and fire engine at Station 2 at 10350 Cortez Road on the mainland. The fire engine would be retained in the district’s reserve fleet.
Jasinski said a new ladder truck would be more maneuverable and allow greater access to the newer houses on the island that have two floors of living space over parking. The truck has greater onboard water capacity and water pumping capability.
Commissioners agreed unanimously to the sale and a purchase. Final approval of a purchase contract is expected at the March commission meeting.
Commissioners also voted 4-1, with Commissioner Al Robinson dissenting, to purchase a fire boat utilizing funds from a West Coast Inland Navigation District matching grant.
The cost for the new boat is $300,315. The district is responsible for $150,157.
Robinson opposed the boat purchase.
“I consider this a toy that will have no benefit,” he said. “Do some soul-searching. This is a waste of money.”
Commissioner David Bishop disagreed and said the district’s current fire boat “has been a benefit and has served the citizens well even if it saves one life over 10 years.”
“The duties of the fire department don’t end at the water’s edge,” Commissioner George Harris said.
Sousa will be working with the manufacturer on the design and purchase of the boat.
The chief said he received new bids for a proposed boatlift project in partnership with the Holmes Beach Police Department, but had yet to review them in order to make a recommendation to commissioners.
WMFR is considering collaborating on a boatlift in exchange for the city allowing the fire district’s lift to be located on city property.
Commissioners also approved submission of two grant applications.
A Firehouse Subs grant for $9,000 would allow the district to purchase a forcible-entry simulator. The machine lets firefighters practice forcing their way into structures.
Commissioners approved the application 4-1, with Robinson dissenting.
A Safer Act federal grant would pay for 24 months of employee costs for three new district firefighters. If received, WMFR would have 180 days to accept in late June.
Sousa said the grant would allow an extra person on each shift at Station 1 in Holmes Beach to allow the crew to split into two response units in case of multiple emergency calls.
“This is a no-brainer,” said Harris, adding that the grant would save the district two years of costs for employees it was already considering hiring.
“It’s providing a higher level of service,” Bishop said. “There’s a direct benefit to the community.”
Commissioners unanimously approved submission of the application.
Commissioners will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.
