Scott City addresses need for rescue equipment

The rescue tools used by the Scott City Fire Department were purchased in 1984. Cutters used for extrications need sharpening, a process that takes four months, and the air bags that can lift vehicles off trapped people are nine years past their recommended life.

The situation is so serious that fire chief Jay Cassout has asked the New Hamburg, Benton and Commerce Fire Department and the Cape Girardeau Fire Department to provide mutual aid to Scott City in the event of an accident requiring rescue equipment.

Cassout told the city council of Scott City Monday night that it might be prudent to declare an emergency in order to bypass the sealed bidding process and acquire the equipment as quickly as possible. But Mayor Tim Porch said the usual bidding procedure could be followed just as quickly.

Five different manufacturers of rescue equipment have been invited to submit bids. The firefighters have been trying out the different systems on wrecked vehicles provided by Twin City Auto.

The equipment, estimated to cost $25,000 to $29,000, will be paid for through revenue from a fire equipment sales tax approved by voters in 1999. The equipment that tax was to fund was acquired after the city qualified for a FEMA grant in 2002, freeing up $38,000 in the sales tax fund.

Bid opening scheduled

Bids for the equipment will be opened at noon May 5. Cassout estimated the new equipment will take 30 days to arrive.

In other business, the council:

Voted to rezone a parcel of land near the city baseball park from agricultural to single family residential, paving the way for a 63-lot subdivision planned by developer Monty Keesee. If approval by the state Department of Natural Resources is swift, ground could be broken by mid- or late June, Keesee said.

Delayed until its next meeting a presentation of a city flag design.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182