Commission hears updates on Station 35 delay, Station 49 funds and an 11-engine recall

During the meeting the commission received facility and fleet updates that affect department capacity and capital projects.

Chief DeWitt and administrative staff reported that Station 35 is awaiting electrical connections and a PUC tie-in; a supply-chain delay is moving completion of station generator work to January 2022. The record notes completed fenders and an on-site historical panel installation for the station pier.

Chief DeWitt said Station 49’s project reserves and unexpended funds amount to roughly $1.7 million earlier in close-out accounting and, after additional line items, the record indicates the project will have close to $2,000,000 remaining once outstanding work is complete. That total includes a roughly $50,000 increase for decorative fence changes driven by rising steel prices and a change in fencing height; staff said final design and artist meetings are forthcoming.

On fleet readiness, the administrative report said 11 engines are affected by a transmission-part recall and are awaiting repairs and equipment reinstallation (radios and other apparatus equipment) before re-entering service; officials estimated a conservative time-to-deployment of about two months once parts and outfitting are completed. The department also reported completion of a new ambulance specification for Station 49 and scheduled mobile-air unit inspections.

Why it matters: Station construction schedules, leftover bond funds and a multi-unit engine recall affect capital budgeting, station readiness and near-term apparatus availability — all material to operational capacity and deployment planning.

What’s next: Staff said they will bring final Station 49 design details and the fence design to commissioners in upcoming reports, and will continue to update the commission on engine repairs and parts availability.