CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: AUGUST 24, 2016
PREPARED BY: Pete Gallegos, Battalion Chief
APPROVED BY: City Manager
TITLE
AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A RESERVE FIRE ENGINE
END
RECOMMENDATION(S):
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase one reserve fire engine from the South Santa Clara County Fire Protection District for $25,000.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Enhancing Public Safety
Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility
2016 Focus Areas
Enhancing Our Services
Participating in Regional Initiatives
REPORT NARRATIVE:
In August 2012, Council approved the purchase of two new Type I fire engines and one new 105' Quint ladder truck. From January to July 2013, the City leased one Type I fire engine from Santa Cruz County and borrowed a second Type I fire engine from the South Santa Clara County Fire Protection District (District) while the new apparatus were constructed.
In 2013, the City also received a Fire Suppression Rating review from the Insurance Services Organization (ISO). Although the results were favorable, ISO expects a fire department to maintain at least one reserve fire engine for use during maintenance or repairs on front-line fire engines. The nationally accepted industry standard (established by ISO) is for fire departments to maintain a maximum ratio of one reserve apparatus for each eight front-line apparatus of the same type and kind. Reserve fire engines may also be utilized when additional staffing is needed during emergencies and high fire hazard periods.
In October 2014, Council approved the purchase of one new Type VI fire engine to expand the Fire Department's capacity and response capabilities. The Type VI fire engine is a smaller four wheel drive response vehicle equipped for wild land and emergency medical response. The Type VI may also be deployed for Special Events, Flooding, and in response to inclement weather.
The Morgan Hill Fire Departm...
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