The purchase of the exhaust systems, at a cost of $20,000 from Rossman Enterprises, will bring both systems up to the industry’s “best standards” for the capture of vehicle exhaust, said Fire Chief David Leverage.
He said the exhaust is a known cancer causing agent and improving the system will bring it in line with the other prevention methods and eliminate the damage the exhaust can do to the apparatus bay.
The system was installed about seven years ago, and since then, upgrades have been made, Leverage said. The city wants the “best available technology” for its firefighters’ safety, he said.
Council approved the purchase of the medic unit for $345,000 in October 2023 and the cot and load system, at a cost of $68,000 from Stryker, will be installed in the unit as it is being built, according to Leverage. The purchase was planned and budgeted in the 2024 Capital Budget, according to the city.
Law director sworn in
Jack B. Hemenway II was sworn in Tuesday night by Mayor Keith Funk as the city’s new law director. He replaces K. Philip Callahan who retired last month.
Hemenway II is a partner with Frost Brown Todd, the city’s legal counsel. Frost Brown Todd will provide the city with retainer and non-retainer services under the contract that will pay the firm $7,000 per month on a flat fee basis.
Raises for city employees
Council approved a 3.5% cost of living increase to non union employees and established the deferred compensation amount to executive level employees.
Christmas Eve meeting canceled
Since City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, the next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to cancel that meeting due to the holiday.
Council’s next meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14.
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