Council approves three‑year preventive maintenance agreement with Stryker for fire EMS equipment

The University Heights City Council voted June 16 to enter a 36‑month preventive maintenance agreement with Stryker for critical fire department medical equipment, including power cot/load systems, stair chairs, cardiac monitors, AEDs and automated CPR (LUCAS) devices. Chief Perko told council Stryker is the factory‑authorized vendor that can provide manufacturer‑certified maintenance and parts and that a single vendor is necessary to preserve warranties and ensure regulatory compliance.
The staff memo in the meeting packet listed the three‑year total at about $52,145, with an annual cost of about $17,382. Chief Perko said the department had included a medical equipment maintenance request in prior budget discussions but that the current departmental line for maintenance had $30 remaining; the chief and finance director said council will need an appropriation amendment to provide the first‑year funds. Council amended the motion to require corrected contract dates in vendor paperwork, and the law director and chief agreed to finalize dates before execution.
Council members debated the timing and whether to commit for three years versus annual contracts, and some members voiced concern that the current adopted administrative budget did not include the full amount; chief Perko said the three‑year agreement locks in pricing and single‑vendor warranty service. The motion to enter the agreement, conditioned on corrected dates, passed by voice vote; council directed staff to identify appropriation sources or seek an amendment to fund the current fiscal‑year payment.