Council OKs New Fire Truck

The Sidney City Council on Oct. 13 approved the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department contracting for a new fire truck.

Fire Chief LaVerne Bown reported the truck to be replaced is 30 years old and undergoes frequent repair. The truck will take about a year for assembly and delivery, according to Bown. City Manager David Scott said because of when payment would be made, the council is committing into the Fiscal Year 2022.

Bown said the biggest difficulty is finding parts for the current engine. He anticipates three bids for the new truck. He added the next big purchase for the fire department will be air packs The self-contained breathing apprattas costs $5,000 to $8,000 each, and 12-15 units in the department.

Sidney Mayor Roger Gallaway said the City's advantage of a five-year plan is it doesn't have to seek a bond for new equipment as often.

The council also approved purchase of an automatic deployment tarp system to for the solid waste landfill.

“We'll be the third in this area to get one,” Solid Waste Supervisor Dean Sterling. Said.

The concept is a tarp that can be deployed to cover a cell, thus eliminating the need for fill dirt, saving on fuel and labor costs, and wear on machinery. The tarp system is expected to also extend the life of the cell.

The council also approved purchase of a new pickup truck by State Bid at a cost of $33,931 with $35,000 budgeted. The new pickup, a crew cab, will replace a 2003 pickup with 93,000 miles and a dump box.

“With budget cuts, we've waited as long as we can,” Street Superintendent Hank Radtke said. “We can't wait any longer.”

The council also approved Cynthia Bartling as manager for Elks BPO Sidney 1894, and Caroly J. McElhaney for Pester Marketing Company/Alta Convenience store.

The council also reviewed budget reports for September and claims before calling for an executive session regarding real estate and personnel matters.