Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Repairs that could be as high as $10,000 were unanimously approved this morning by the Winona Lake Town Council for the fire department's tanker truck.
The board also gave the go-ahead to begin the process of purchasing a new tanker sometime in 1999.
"The present truck has many problems, some of them recurring problems. But, the tanker is something this town needs and it will take $10,000 to $15,000 to make it safe for the drivers and the firemen," councilman Dick Taylor said in making the recommendation to repair the present tanker. "Due to the 12- to 18-month lag time after approving the purchase of a new tanker truck before it can be delivered, I recommend we approve the repairs suggested by the department."
The fire department is seeking the following mechanical upgrades to Tanker 155: repair or replace alternator/electrical system; replace brakes system air compressor and discharge line, and installation of a low-air alarm; repair or replace radiator fan and hose; repair of suspension and steering system; repair of exhaust system; and various body repairs.
Councilman Randy Ruppel said he supports the purchase of a new tanker truck, but wants the time frame for delivery firmly established so that the town's capital budget is adversely affected the minimal amount possible.
"I don't think there's any doubt that a new tanker is needed, or we wouldn't have put it in the budget. It's all just a matter of timing now," he said.
Council president Brent Wilcoxson attempted to soothe any misunderstandings that have arisen between the council and the fire department over the tanker debate.
"The issue of the tanker has nothing to do with our feelings for the (fire) department," he said. "We fully understand and appreciate the time you give.
"But we're charged with the responsibility of getting the most value for the money we spend," he said, adding that the purchase of a new tanker will skew the present capital budget $20,000 to $25,000, depending on what the final trade-in value of the current tanker is.
Councilman Harold Dunn voted against approving a new tanker purchase at this time, citing his desire to see if the approved repairs were effective in extending the life of the current tanker three to four years.
In other business, the council approved release payments of $15,000 of $17,000 owed on the Kings Highway repair project to Smith Excavating and $30,000 of $56,000 owed on the island infrastructure repair project to Phend & Brown, Inc.
The council also met in a hastily called executive session following the public meeting, reportedly to discuss the status of a park board member.
