The Town of Erin is looking into other options after the fire truck it was supposed to receive from Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd never materialized.
Erin ordered a $427,000 truck from Asphodel and put a $118,650 deposit down for a custom dual-purpose pumper/rescue vehicle to replace a 1985 pumper at the Erin station.
Asphodel had its Norwood, Ontario property and building seized by a bailiff in November, according to the Peterborough Examiner.
At the June 5 council meeting, Erin Fire Chief Jim Sawkins presented options after Asphodel was “unable to fulfill their contract obligations.”
In his report, Sawkins said the project shouldn’t be deleted from the capital plan as there is an “immediate need” for the new truck.
Buying a used truck was considered, but all of the currently available trucks are beyond the Fire Underwriters Survey certified lifecycles and “would not be a sound investment,” Sawkins stated.
Re-issuing the tender using the original specifications would mean the truck would be delivered in summer 2019, he stated.
“Given that the requirement existed in 2016 when it was included in the capital plan and given the fact that we are experiencing pump issues with the only remaining pumper at Station 10, I do not believe that this would serve our immediate operational needs,” said Sawkins.
Issuing a tender for a demo/stock vehicle and leasing were also considered.
Sawkins said he would be re-issuing the tender to include stock options and leasing options.
Councillor Matt Sammut asked about the need for the new pumper rescue truck.
Sawkins said, “During the process, I took a look at the fleet, and actually did a needs assessment and the reality is, this truck here, as well as the one that was purchased for Hillsburgh, will serve what we call a pumper-rescue concept.”
He added his long-term goal is to reduce the fleet.
By purchasing dual-concept trucks, it will allow the fire department to phase out other vehicles.
“So cost wise, it will reduce our fleet, and it will help us down the road as we have to lifecycle the vehicles out,” said Sawkins.
Director of finance Ursula D’Angelo said the town already has the funds set aside and will put it towards the new truck.
The fate of the $118,650 deposit remains unknown.
