AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2024-171R, approving a contract with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists for the outfitting of a blocker truck for use by the fire department, in the amount of $111,880.00; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: September 3, 2024
Department: Fire Department - Les Stephens, Chief
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $111,880
Account Number: 10002135-60130- | VEHICLES
Funds Available: BLOCKER FUNDED REQ 15870 $111,880.00
Account Name: VEHICLES
Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
In FY 22-23 the City Council authorized the addition of four new positions within the Fire Department to staff a full-time blocker apparatus. The fire department currently has 11 new recruits completing their initial training. Four of those new recruits will give us the ability to fully implement this program and place the blocker in service in March-April 2025.
The City of San Marcos recently accepted the donation of a retired 2002 model Pierce aerial apparatus from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists (MFAS). The aerial apparatus had recently been traded into Metro by the Mansfield Fire Department. Just prior to trading the truck, Mansfield Fire had invested $45,000+ in mechanical maintenance and repairs. Unfortunately, the aerial ladder itself failed UL testing, forcing it to be removed from service. MFAS graciously donated the vehicle to San Marcos for use as a blocker.
To prepare and equip the truck for use in this capacity it is necessary to remove the aerial ladder and turntable, decommission much of the vehicle’s hydraulic system, weld closed the outriggers/stabilizers, update some of the safety equipment, including adding Opticom and a mobile radio, and improving/updating some of the emergency lighting/striping. We also plan to purchase and install (2) large arrow/message boards, (1) scene light tower, other miscellaneous traffic control equipment, including flares and cones, and spill cleanup tools, equipment, and supplies.
As the City is authorized to through Local Government Code, Section 271, to participate in cooperative purchasing programs, the City will contract with Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc., through BuyBoard contract #698-23 for Public Safety and Firehouse Supplies and Equipment for necessary upfitting in the amount of $111,880. Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc., is located in Houston, Texas.
The blocker truck will serve as a mobile barrier that can respond immediately and be positioned in a manner that protects accident victims and all emergency responders (fire, police, EMS, and wrecker operators). The blocker will be dispatched in place of a 2nd frontline apparatus on major accidents, thus increasing the availability/reliability of our frontline apparatus. It will also be utilized to block for the police department when they need to conduct prolonged accident investigations on busy roadways such as IH35 and the access roads.
There have been multiple incidents in the past in which City Police and Fire vehicles as well as first responders have been struck during emergency response on roadways. Among the more memorable events, in March 2020, 19-year San Marcos Police Department veteran Officer Paul Beller was struck when he exited his patrol vehicle to clear lumber from the lanes of traffic on IH35. Officer Beller suffered significant and permanent injuries that resulted in his retirement. The prior year in May 2019, Officer Claudia Cormier lost a leg when she was struck by a vehicle on IH35 while attempting to remove large debris from the roadway. She was able to return to duty after years of rehabilitation and use of a prosthetic device.
Having a properly outfitted blocker truck will reduce the risk to our personnel and our newer, more expensive frontline apparatus.
There are similar blocker programs operating in Irving, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Garland, Carrolton, Denton, and others.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approving this contract.