The Addison Twp. Board of Directors approved the purchase of a new Medtec ambulance for $137,497 at their regular March 1 meeting.
Fire Chief George Spencer based the preliminary bid specifications on the department’s other ambulance (Alpha Two) running from Station Two in Lakeville. Some additional requirements for the new ambulance included a smoother ride, no talking siren and better paint process (Alpha Two was at one point taken out of service and sent back to the manufacturer for a total repaint).
The Addison Twp. Fire Department received four sealed bids for the purchase of a replacement ambulance for the 1988 Alpha 1 currently running out of Station One:
n American Emergency Vehicle turned in a final bid of $135,611. The biggest concern with this bid was the SIKKENS paint process, the same process used on Alpha 2.
n Life Line Emergency Vehicles presented a $143,103 bid. This bid was found to be too expensive to meet the department’s specifications.
n Medtec turned in a final amount of $137,497. The company met all specifications exactly, and the local dealer reported no paint, body or finish problems over the past three years.
n Wheeled Coach presented a final price of $134,180. Checking references for this company showed a problem with fit, finish and corrosion. This fact caused some concern regarding quality.
“Because of the paint problems we’ve had with the other vehicle, I feel it’s better to get what you pay for,” Chief Spencer told board members. “My staff and I feel comfortable recommending the Medtec for this amount.”
The final amount is $2,027 over the allotted funding for the vehicle; however, Chief Spencer said the money is available in the department’s capitol reserve. He explained that the account currently has approximately $121,000 in non-designated funds, with $4,400 in the capitol reserve.
“I feel very comfortable taking that $2,000 out of our capitol reserve,” he stated at the meeting.
The township board approved the purchase unanimously. The vehicle should be placed into service at the beginning of June. At the time of the meeting, Chief Spencer was uncertain what will be done with the old ambulance.