Franklin approves settlement agreement for fire engine corrosion

Franklin City Council approved a settlement agreement to address a corrosion issue on one of a city fire pumper as well as a joint contract with Franklin Twp. and Carlisle to replace the aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus gear of all three fire departments. FILE PHOTO



One of the three ambulances operated by the Franklin Fire Department, sits outside the station, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. The City of Franklin started running it's own EMS ambulance service earlier this year. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

Credit: Greg Lynch

Credit: Greg Lynch

Franklin City Council approved a settlement agreement to address a corrosion issue on one of a city fire pumper as well as a joint contract with Franklin Twp. and Carlisle to replace the aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus gear of all three fire departments. FILE PHOTO One of the three ambulances operated by the Franklin Fire Department, sits outside the station, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. The City of Franklin started running it's own EMS ambulance service earlier this year. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

Franklin City Council approved a settlement agreement with the manufacturer of one its fire pumpers after corrosion was discovered.

Fire Chief Jonathan Westendorf said the issues regarding corrosion arose with the 2006 Pierce Enforcer Pumper Unit, which the manufacturer, Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., was willing to address while denying liability.

According to settlement agreement, after the city purchased the fire pumper, corrosion was discovered on the vehicle’s frame rails within the warranty period. The agreement said Pierce was willing to settle the claim for corrosion. The cost to the city for this work will be $36,122.

Westendorf said the fire pumper will be sent to the Pierce Manufacturing’s Refurbishment Center in Weyauwega, Wis. to have the work done.

Contract awarded for joint SCBA equipment replacement

Council also awarded a $557,905 contract as part of joint grant among Franklin, Carlisle and Franklin Twp. to replace aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for the three fire departments.

Council approved the solicitation of bids for the joint project after a 2018 federal Assistance to Firefighters grant was approved. On July 15, only one sealed bid was submitted by Vogelpohl Fire Equipment. The city of Franklin is the lead agency and is administering the grant.

The contract also included additional equipment needed by the departments, which will be paid for by them.

Franklin had already budgeted its share of the grant funding, $230,118 and its local share will be $41,882 which will include $23,011 for its local match and $18,870 for non-grant additional items.

Franklin Twp. portion of the grant funding is $207,141. It’s local share will be $33,222 which will include $20,714 for its local match and $12,508 for non-grant additional items.

About the Author