The Urbana Fire Division could soon have a new utility truck at its disposal pending Urbana City Council’s approval during its 6 p.m. meeting today in municipal court chambers.
Whether its navigating over rough terrain to reach a patient, transporting additional firefighters or paramedics to a scene or responding to a major vehicle accident, the UFD’s utility truck is a versatile vehicle used in a wide array of emergency situations, Fire Chief Mark Keller said.
With the division’s current 2001 Ford F350 getting up there in age, city administration is seeking council’s approval to outfit the UFD with a new 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 heavy duty truck with accessories.
At a total cost of $48,549.75, the truck would be purchased from Trenor Motors at a cost of $34,401, while the emergency lighting would be installed by ONTA Communications at a cost of $11,248.75. Finley Fire Equipment would apply the UFD emblem and other decals at a cost of $2,900.
Keller added if the purchase is approved, the plan is for the current utility truck to be “recycled back into the city fleet for use by other divisions.”
In other business:
•Council will consider an administrative request to finalize a contract involving the purchase of undisclosed land contiguous to city corporation limits at a cost not to exceed $110,000. The Board of Control item states the purpose of the request is to expand the city’s economic base and infrastructure capabilities.
•The first reading of an ordinance seeking to amend the city’s official zoning map by rezoning various parcels owned by Ultra-met, 720 N. Main St., from a combination of R-2 Medium Density Residential and M-1 Manufacturing to M-1 Manufacturing only will undergo a first reading. The rezoning request is being requested by city staff.
•Council will hear the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize the director of finance to establish the Cemetery Improvement Fund.
•A resolution authorizing the director of administration to prepare and submit final application to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program will be presented to council.
