Committee approves light- and heavy‑vehicle purchases in capital plan; officials warn fire‑apparatus lead times may reach two years

The committee approved two capital‑plan ordinances on March 23 authorizing purchases of light‑duty vehicles (ordinance 227‑2026, ~$5,069,950) and heavy vehicles (ordinance 228‑2026, ~$10,874,600). The procurement lists for both ordinances are included in the legislation.

A department official said the light‑vehicle package includes about $1,000,000 for bikeway maintenance equipment to support Cleveland’s bike network; the official said bikeway sweepers and plows will help maintain new facilities constructed under the city’s mobility plan. "That's something that we've heard from the community," the presenter said.

Council members pressed for details about fire apparatus — where units will be assigned and the timetable. The administration said assignment decisions are made by Public Safety and that lead times for new fire apparatus are about 24 months; the city has procured at least one used unit as an interim measure. Council asked to be notified where pumpers and ladder trucks will be allocated and requested information about ordering status and timing.

Both ordinances were approved as amended; the committee recorded approvals and asked staff to provide allocation and procurement timing details to council members.