By AL STOVER
Staff Reporter 

Airway Heights Fire Department to purchase new truck

Council approves $40,000 purchase — for second time

 

Last updated 8/21/2014 at 10:57am



The Airway Heights City Council to approved, 5-1, the purchase of a new $40,000 truck for the Fire Department at the council’s Aug. 18 meeting.

Fire Chief Mitch Metzger explained that the new vehicle would replace two existing ones. He said the new truck would be used as a command vehicle for a couple of years before “moving down the line and be used in a support services role”.

Metzger added that one of the existing vehicles would be a support services vehicle when the new one comes in.

The council previously voted 3-2 to approve the vehicle purchase at the July 21 meeting. However, the vote required six council members present at the meeting. They brought the matter back to a study session where council members Steven Lawrence, Doyle Inman and Dave Malet suggested they table the item to see what funds could be used to purchase the vehicle.

Mayor Patrick Rushing said the reason the item was back on the agenda was because the council voted to bring the matter back to the Aug. 4 meeting.

“At that point it was required to bring it back to a council meeting for further discussion,” Rushing said.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Richey asked about funding sources for the purchase. Clerk-Treasurer Richard Cook explained that the $8,000 in the fire reserve fund could be used. He also listed the city’s admissions tax — that was already collected — and the Kalispel Impact Mitigation fund as sources.

Cook said the Kalispel funds could be used for public safety, which includes the Fire Department. He added that the council could shift funding around so they are not using money from the admissions tax for the purchase.

Richey asked when the Fire Department last purchased a vehicle. Metzger said the Fire Department purchased a ladder truck in 2004 and the last support vehicle was purchased five years later.

Lawrence and Rushing were concerned about the $40,000 price tag. Metzger explained that the price includes the base cost of the vehicle, as well the installation of lights, sirens and a canopy.

The City Council also voted on matters relating to road improvements. They approved using a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant toward arterial preservation to complete the Hayford Road overlay project, as well as the submission for another TIB grant to use for raised channelization and traffic calming measures on Highway 2, between Hayford Road and Deer Heights Road.

Public Works director Kelly Williquette explained the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has agreed to collaborate with the city and give $132,000 to match 10 percent of the grant.

“The city’s out-of-pocket cost would be zero,” Williquette said.

The council approved an amendment to the city’s six-year transportation improvement plan to include detail work for the channelization project.

During public comment, Mike Josey, manager of Cleone’s Closet thrift store — which raises money to support houses for battered women and children — asked the council if they would be willing to donate a dumpster to help him as he moves the store to a new location.

City Attorney Stanley Swartz explained state law prohibits the city from gifting public funds, unless it’s to aid the poor and infirm. He added there would have to be more discussion between Josey and the city.

“Depending on the services and to whom you are providing the services, there may be a way you can use city funds,” Swartz said.

Rushing said the council would discuss the matter.

City Manager Albert Tripp said the city will pass a resolution that declares October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.

“Perhaps we could raise awareness by partnering with Cleone’s Closet as our part of outreach effort just to let people in Airway Heights and surrounding areas know about this issue of domestic violence,” Tripp said.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.

 

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