RUMFORD – Selectmen on Thursday OK’d a request by Fire Chief John Woulfe to gather more information on planned purchases of a new rescue vehicle and a new pumper firetruck.
Woulfe updated the board on the status of the department’s firefighting apparatus. He said the need for each vehicle is great.
Right now, only two tankers and a ladder truck are completely functional, he said. The department had planned to buy a new pumper this year, and a new rescue vehicle next year. But he said the body of the rescue vehicle is beginning to rust, and the current model, a 1997 Ford utility truck, isn’t designed to carry heavy rescue equipment.
He proposed looking into a 4-wheel-drive, 12-foot box, club cab rescue truck. But selectmen balked at the suggested $98,000 price.
“That seems like a lot of money,” said board Chairman Jim Thibodeau.
Woulfe said the rescue vehicle would require no body modifications.
Selectman Eugene Boivin also questioned the need for a winch when other fire apparatus were equipped with the device.
Woulfe was authorized to bring back additional information to the next board meeting about the possible purchase of a rescue vehicle.
They also gave the go-ahead to conduct further research into the purchase of a so-called stock pumper.
“Instead of specking a new pumper, it would cost less for a stock pumper,” said Woulfe. He said a stock pumper could be purchased for between $130,000 and $145,000, which he said is much less than a truck built to specifications. It would also be sized to fit into the downtown fire station.
The department’s capital account contains sufficient funds to buy both vehicles.
The board also approved the sale of a 1967 International/Thibault pumper to Paul Ouellette of Milan, N.H., for $2,240, the highest of the five bids submitted.
They also awarded the contract for the purchase of about 26,000 feet of 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-inch PVC piping to Portland Plastic Pipe for a cost of $58,595. It will be used during the extension of the town’s sewer lines.
Selectmen agreed to look into a request by Rumford Point residents who want a sign banning the use of exhaust brakes installed at the east end of the village’s sharp corner along Route 2.
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