Dunkirk will get a new firetruck

DUNKIRK — After years of searching for a new fire truck for the city, Dunkirk found one.

On Monday, Dunkirk City Council heard from council member Bryan Jessup, who said he believes the city has found a new fire truck. Now, he’s just waiting for the paperwork to come through.  

“It’s always on a wish list,” Jessup said of purchasing a new truck.  

During the March 25 council meeting, council members Jesse Bivens, Tom Johnson, Jack Robbins and Jessup, absent Lisa Street, voted to allow Jessup’s pursuit of purchasing a 1998 KME Renegade Pumper from the City of Portland.

The firetruck was originally on sale for $42,000, however, Jessup said council was able to secure it for less.

“They came down to $35,000 to sell it with us and keep it local,” Jessup said.

The truck would replace the city’s 1980 pumper, which is something the department has been looking to do for at least three years, Jessup said.

Originally, the plan was to purchase a new truck, however, Jessup said quotes for a basic model — without customization — came in at a cost of about $250,000.

“We realized that we just did not have the money to do that, and we didn’t want to borrow the money, either,” he said. “We talked about maybe — after so long trying to figure out we couldn’t get a new one — we talked about maybe going after a used one.”

Though the city’s current engine is “working good,” Jessup said the department is constantly concerned about finding parts if something breaks. The new truck is nearly 20 years younger, in great shape and larger, he said.

If the finalized paperwork is approved by council, it will become the city’s country rig.

“For me, it’s a relief,” Jessup said. 

Also Monday, council heard from Robbins, who said there will be a meeting regarding the traffic light at Main Street (Indiana 167) and Commerce Street with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) at 6 p.m. April 30 at West Jay County Middle School.

“We need to get the word around to save our traffic signal up here,” Robbins said. “We’re all trying to keep our traffic signal. We need to get the citizens involved.”

In early 2019, Robbins received communication from INDOT about the potential removal of the light. According to a letter from INDOT, the poles supporting the traffic signals are obstructing the modernization of ADA sidewalk ramps. The letter also cites low traffic volume and few accidents as reasons to remove the light.

In other business, council:

•Heard Miller’s Merry Manor will host an Easter egg hunt for those 13 and younger at 12:30 p.m. April 13.

•Noted the city is putting together a five-person committee dedicated to creating pocket parks.

•Was told the city building will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. April 18 due to an employee appreciation dinner.

•Approved two park department purchases — a $5,200 fence to go around the Monument Circle in the park and $1,650 for tree and stump removal.

•Set up a payment plan for a water leak.

•Approved various donations from the mayor’s promotional fund, including $250 to Jay County Wrestling Club; $500 to the volunteer fire department; $500 to A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope; and $300 to the Kids Free Film Festival Series at the Ritz Theater, which begins June 5.

•Heard from Mayor Gene Ritter that Rep. Jim Banks will visit West Jay Community Center at at 3:30 p.m. April 24.

•Was informed a crime watch sign was stolen.

•Paid claims totaling $187,862.34.