Dunkirk’s new truck ready to roll

DUNKIRK — The city’s new fire truck is ready to run.

At its meeting Monday, Dunkirk City Council heard an update on the truck it purchased this spring.

It also approved a series of purchases for various departments.

The city bought a 1998 Renegade fire truck from the City of Portland for $35,000 earlier this year to replace its 1980 truck. Council has purchased new equipment for the vehicle over the summer, including hoses, and has transferred existing equipment to the truck.

Council member Bryan Jessup, who oversees the fire department, told council the new truck was ready to be put into service. He recently authorized repairs of $998.56 for the truck, including transmission service and an oil change.

The only things left to take care of are the radio configuration and repairing an air leak in the brakes, Jessup said, but the vehicle is safe to drive.

The old truck has been taken out of service because of mechanical issues. Jessup advised against spending any money for repairs since the city plans to get rid of the vehicle.

Dunkirk City Council also approved several purchases at its Monday meeting.

For Dunkirk Police Department, council approved the purchase of two radar units for police vehicles for $2,358 from MPH Industries. A purchase of three car computer mounts from Safety Systems was approved for up to $1,608.55 including shipping costs. Both payments will come from local option income tax dollars.

The street, wastewater and water departments will each contribute to the purchase of a 20-inch plate compactor for $2,348 from A Rental Service Co. The compactor can be used while patching after a water leak or during road repairs.

Finally, council approved paying Culy Contracting $980 for labor and use of its vacuum truck.

In other business, council members Jack Robbins, Tom Johnson, Jesse Bivens, Lisa Street and Jessup:

•Granted a bereavement day for a city employee.

•Learned that there will be a board of works meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss a personnel issue.

•Were informed by Mayor Gene Ritter that the city has received applications for two openings on the police force. Agility testing and interviews are scheduled for this weekend.

•Approved a water leak adjustment of $235.55 for Jared Walredth.

•Heard clerk-treasurer Tina Elliott elaborate on a statement she made at council’s Aug. 8 meeting.

“When we had the special session about the two police officers leaving and I said numerous times, ‘It was more than finances,’ I want it known that no way was I pointing a finger at (Dunkirk Police Chief Dane Mumbower) and saying it was his problem, that he was the problem,” Elliott said. “That is not where I was going with that. It wasn’t in the finances but it got misconstrued and a lot of people thought that I was saying that and I just want that to be known, that’s not where I was headed with that.”

•Reminded residents to take a survey to provide input on the Jay! Region’s Stellar Communities application. The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/JayRegion.

•Heard that six new trash cans will be placed throughout the city.

•Were informed that hydrant flushing will continue today and Wednesday, but there is no boil order.