12/19/77 Board of Public Works Minutes

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422 REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 19, 1977 Powell Tool Supply, Inc Communications Systems Division South Bend, Indiana Bid - $7,279.00 Bid was signed by Lawrence Powell, non -collusion affidavit was in order and a bid bond was submitted. Upon motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the bids were referred to the Police Department for review and recommendation. BID AWARDED - AIR TANKS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT The Board received a report from Fire Chief Oscar Van Wiele on the review of bids received for self-contained breathing units for the Fire Department. The Chief reported that the two low bidders were Tri-State Fire and Rescue Co. and Fessco Fire and Safety Equipment Co. Tri-State bid Survivair equipment at a cost of $4,459.40 and Fessco bid Scott equipment at a cost of $4,210.00. He recommended acceptance of the bid submitted by Tri-State Fire and Rescue Co. because it would allow continued standardization of breathing equipment. He pointed out that purchase of Scott equipment would mean the necessary purchase of ten Scott air cylinders at approximately $125.00 each. He also noted that the Department maintains and repairs its breathing equipment and has an officer knowledgable about the repair of Survivair equipment who is willing to voluntarily accept the duty and responsbility for such repair. Based on those facts, Chief Van Wiele recommended that the Board accept the bid of Tri-State Fire and Rescue Co. Upon motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Mullen and carried, the Board accepted the recommendation to award the bid for ten units, with a trade-in allowance for six units, to Tri-State Fire and Rescue Co. at a total bid price of $4,459.40. A letter from Midwest Equipment noting a typographical error in the model number on their bid was filed. BID AWARDED - FIRE HOSE Mr. McMahon reported that bids received some weeks ago for fire hose have been under review. Fire Chief Oscar Van Wiele recommended to the Board that the bid submitted.by Midwest Fire and Safety Company, which was not the low bid, be accepted based on past experience, past performance and a difference in the quality of construction of the hose. Mr. McMahon then noted receipt of a letter from Centurion Fire and Safety Equipment Corporation of South Bend indicating that they did not submit a bid on the fire hose because they felt the specifications were written specifically for bilateral hose. The Company stated that they provide a 100% polyester hose which they feel is equal to bilateral hose and they asked the Board to consider rebidding the hose. Mr. McMahon pointed out that the bid specifications indicated bilateral hose or equal and noted that five bidders did submit bids and some of the hose bid was not bilateral. Upon motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the letter from Centurion was filed and a reply will be prepared by the Fire Department. There was a lengthy discussion of the types of hose bid. The Chief was asked to respond to the statement made in Centurion's letter that poly hose does not have to be dried. The Chief stated that the Department intermingles hose used and they dry all the hose used. The stations are advised to have a complete change of hose available and each station has a monthly hose check for mildew. Mr. McMahon then noted that the Board has given this matter very careful consideration. The Fire Department has recommended purchase of the bilateral hose. He said a comparison of the types of hose available could be debated for some time. The Fire Department has had experience with cotton and they believe it to be the best. James Dickman, Tri-State Fire and Rescue, Al Schultz, B. F. Goodrich Company, and.Thomas..Fre.dericks., Midwest Fire and Safety Company, were present. Mr. Schultz stated he was not an engineer, but a sales representative. He said the bilateral hose has some additional construction features that give it extra life and eliminate failure at the crease. Polyester hose does not need drying but would melt at intense heat. Cotton house might be.subject to. abrasion if it is dragged. Mr. McMahon noted that the Fire Department has not maintained a complete record of the life of the hose that has been purchased. Records do indicate that bilateral hose was purchased for Engine No. 1 twenty years ago and most of the original hose purchased is still in use.. There was a discussion of the guarantee provided on the hose and Mr. McMahon said the guarantees are not of much value. Mr. Schultz indicated that the lifetime guarantee would be for materials and workmanship during the time the hose