Fire department outlines upcoming event and explores options for tanker purchase

A fire department captain (S1) briefed the council on an upcoming front-runners event and related logistical needs including road closures between the park and nearby streets, vendor participation and public-safety staffing. The captain said the event aims for about 25 teams and more than 20 vendors and that the department will not sell alcohol this year because the previous year's alcohol sales did not cover security and overtime costs.

The captain also discussed capital needs: the department's budget for a replacement tanker is approximately $300,000, while new starter units can start at about $450,000; the department is evaluating used tanker options and outside financing or capital-improvement options to bridge the gap. Council and staff discussed coordinating grant reimbursements and working with the city's accountant on financing options.

Council members thanked the department for the update and asked staff to follow up on grant reimbursement timing and potential financing arrangements for equipment purchases.