HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 - Command VehicleMEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: APRIL 6, 2021
SUBJECT: DONATION OF CITY SURPLUS PROPERTY
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider approval for the donation of a 2007 Chevrolet
Suburban command vehicle to the Sunset Volunteer Fire Department.
FUNDING SOURCE: This action will have no material effect on City funds.
BACKGROUND: In February, Fleet Manager Patrick Hughes received a letter requesting
help with any potential donations of vehicles or equipment from Sunset for
their small rural volunteer fire department. Sunset Volunteer Fire
Department (SVFD) encompasses 75 square miles and serves 2,800
residents of Wise and Montague Counties. The past year has taken its toll
on their small department because they depend on fundraising efforts as
well as grants and donations in order to service the 2800 residents in this
rural setting. There are typically events throughout the year where money
can be raised at cookouts, raffles and other large gatherings.
Upon review of the request, staff decided that there was a vehicle on the
surplus property list that has recently been replaced and was set to go to
auction this summer. This vehicle would not bring more than about
$7,000-$8,000 at auction based on similar vehicles that have recently
been sold. It is a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban that was used as a Fire
Command Unit. Since Sunset is specifically looking for a vehicle to serve
as an Immediate Response Vehicle (IRV) to be used for medical
emergencies and/or a chief unit, we felt this might be the perfect scenario
that would benefit one of our neighboring communities. Currently the chief
of this small community responds in his personal vehicle. Attached is the
original letter of request from the Chief of SVFD, Biff Huddleston.
Fire Chief recommends approval.
Sunset Volunteer Fire Department
118Hwy 101 N
PO BOX 243
Sunset, TX 76270-0243
(940) 845-2015
February 17, 2021
Mr. Hughes
City of Grapevine Fleet Manager
My name is Biff Huddleston the fire Chief for the Sunset Volunteer Fire Department
(SVFD). Our volunteer fire department encompasses approximately 75 square miles
and serves 2800 residents of Wise and Montague County. As first responders for a
small community and rural areas we are the only source of emergency fire and rescue
service in the far outlying areas. SVFD averages approximately 200-220 calls per year
as first responders and fire suppression. About 60% are medical. 15% vehicle
accidents, and 25% structure or wildland fires.
Sunset Volunteer Fire depends on fund raising, grants, contributions and donations in
order to supply and provide the necessary structures, equipment, maintenance and
training needed for an efficient and dependable firefighting response force. Our only
government source of income is $1500 per year from Montague county. We have no
ESD or tax revenue. As you well know the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has
affected the overall economy as well as people and households both emotionally,
physically and financially and contributions are at their lowest levels in years. We
normally have several functions, cookouts, raffles and gatherings throughout the year
that help generate donations and contributions towards the needs of the Sunset
volunteer fire department, with the current pandemic and social distancing guidelines
this source of revenue has been limited.
With the help from our local community donations the Sunset Volunteer Fire
Department has recently acquired a used 2006 fire engine which will help meet the
needs of the fast growing population in our area, with the older existing engine going
to our substation several miles away which has no structure fire capability and serves
approximately 150 homes (400 residents) in a rural subdivision. We are reaching out
to our fellow townships and cities to see if by chance there may be any contributions
or donations of assets, vehicles or equipment that is no longer needed by their fire
department that would be beneficial to our department in providing the emergency
services normally needed by a Fire Department.
Our immediate need is a vehicle that could be used as an "Immediate Response
Vehicle" (IRV) to be used for Medical Emergencies/Command/Chief unit. Volunteer
fire departments do not have manned stations so the time it takes for personnel to
respond to calls is critical and the difference of having a unit arriving at the scene or
accident to render first aid or evaluate the situation could mean life or death. Currently
our Chief is responding in his personal vehicle. This unit would be a take home unit
for that purpose, it could be a crew -cab pickup, van, SUV or suburban which could be
equipped or is equipped for emergency response service, we also look for equipment
and tools normally used for firefighting applications and training that is still
serviceable.
The Sunset Volunteer Fire Department and citizens of our Counties would be grateful
of any donations that may help the needs of our communities and volunteers.
We Thank You and God Bless America!
I
uddleston- Chief SVFD
Sunset Volunteer Fire Department
118 H WY 101 North
Sunset TX 76270
940-577-1033 (Chief s cell)