TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approving the purchase of 1 (one) E-One Typhoon Custom Cab Chassis HP100 - 100’ Platform Ladder Truck from Fire Truck Solutions, LLC in the amount of $2,461,592.00, with an estimated delivery of September 2026, to immediately restore critical ladder capability and fleet resiliency for the City. Funding source recommendation is a budget transfer from the Contingency account under the General Capital Improvement Project Fund - 350 (GL 35016161-99000) to incorporate this purchase/project into the Capitol Improvement Plan for FY26. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
In November, Ladder 574 was involved in a vehicle accident, creating an immediate and ongoing deficit in the City’s ladder apparatus fleet. As a result, the department is currently operating with only one in-service ladder truck and no reserve ladder apparatus. This places the City in a precarious position from both an operational readiness and public safety standpoint.
At present, reserve apparatus are being utilized as front-line units almost daily, leaving little to no margin for mechanical issues, preventive maintenance, or unexpected failures. Without a reserve ladder, any out-of-service time for the remaining ladder truck-whether due to maintenance, repairs, or an emergency failure-results in the City temporarily losing ladder capability altogether. The nearest automatic aid ladder company is approximately 25 minutes away under ideal conditions, not accounting for traffic, weather, or concurrent incidents. In emergency response, that delay is unacceptable.
Market Conditions and Timing
Nationally, the fire service is experiencing historic delays in fire apparatus manufacturing, driven by supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and increased demand. A traditionally ordered new ladder truck currently carries an estimated 4-5 year delivery time frame. That means waiting to place a standard order would leave t...
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