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East Palestine has no qualms about buying new fire tanker truck

EAST PALESTINE — The village’s fire chief defended the purchase of a new fire truck this week.

During the village council meeting, resident John Davis asked about the necessity of the new International tanker truck estimated to cost $275,000 through Kovatch Mobile Equipment of Pennsylvania.

The village intends to finance the truck over two years using fire levy funds. Voters last renewed the five-year 1.5-mill levy in 2013.

Chief Josh Brown said the truck is a 3,000-gallon elliptical tanker with two-seat capacity. The truck will replace the current 1997 HME 2,500-gallon tanker.

Davis was concerned that the weight of the new larger capacity tanker would damage local streets, and asked how much a tanker truck is needed, since most of the village has access to fire hydrants.

Brown responded that tanker trucks come in handy during the winter months when hydrants may become frozen, and in other areas outside the village limits, such as in Unity Township.

Brown said the majority of the department’s fire calls are within the township while the majority of the EMS calls are in East Palestine.

According to the department’s monthly report, firefighters responded to 38 total calls in January. Of those, 17 were in Unity Township.

Of the 82 EMS calls in the month, 13 were in the township.

The township contracts for fire protection services each year with the village department for a portion of the township for roughly $37,000.

Village Manager Pete Monteleone pointed out the township has provided more than the contract amount each year, and recalled that only a few years ago the township gave $90,000 for fire protection services.

“They have given above what we use in Unity Township,” he said.

Councilman Alan Cohen also noted the need for a fire tanker since there are no fire hydrants in Unity Township.

Brown provided Davis with a copy of the legislation outlining the specifications for the new truck, including warranty information, and Davis said he was pleased after reviewing the information.

He also said he was especially pleased with the warranty, which included as 12-month unlimited mileage basic vehicle coverage warrant, and the repair or replacement of any part of the truck that becomes defective within the first 12 months of the delivery date.

Additional warranty coverage is included for other components of the truck.

Council gave a second reading to the legislation authorizing the purchase of the truck. A third reading is required before a vote.

Second readings were also give to legislation:

— Purchasing a new dump body for the street department through Middleton Ford Fleet and a new Ford F-350 truck through Middleton Ford Fleet.

— Contracting with MS Consultants for the water improvement project.

— Contracting with MS Consultants for the wastewater collection improvement project.

Council Clerk Misti Martin also announced that the deadline for applications for the vacant seat on the park board is April 7.

Applications should be submitted to the village administrative offices at 85 N. Market St.

kwhite@mojonews.com

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