Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Fire Department, has returned the State owned ladder truck  to the state, where it is now located at the State Hospital Grounds.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther said, he drove the vehicle from the city fire hall, to the State Hospital on Monday, at the request of the State of North Dakota.

He says the state indicates that the truck will become state surplus.

 

Previously…

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Council’s Police & Fire, and Public Works Committees met Thursday (December 19, 2019), afternoon at City Hall. All members were present.Discussion was held on replacing State of North Dakota ladder truck at the Fire Department.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther made a presentation, and included equipment that has been appreciated out, and needs replacement.  He said the new ladder truck is needed for support and rescue, costing about $1.3 million, including a platform, with the ladder reaching over 100 feet.  The current truck has undergone expense repairs over the past few years, some of the repairs failed.  This year it was determined additional repairs are too expensive. He added the Rescue Truck has electrical problems, and repairs to the pumper truck is at a cost of a half million dollars.  He noted other equipment that needs replacement in the future, including the equipment truck. The search for grant funding has been unsuccessful at this time.

Mayor Heinrich said he and other officials met in Bismarck with state officials, including the Governor’s Office, saying that the truck’s funding has in the past come from state funds.  He added that local legislative representative have been informed of the situation, which could come before the next legislative session.  He feels there will be positive movement on getting state funding, on behalf of the state legislators.

Reuther said he is not comfortable with the liability of not having a ladder truck available, and is not comfortable in being in the position of Fire Chief without a ladder truck.

The cost to rent a ladder truck is estimated at $100,000 per year on a lease to buy basis.

The committee recommends the City Council pass a Resolution to forward to the Governor, and state legislators, stating the urgency of having a ladder truck.  Mayor Heinrich said the Resolution needs to be worded properly.