02/19/1979 Board of Public Works Minutes

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Wriv DIVER REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1979 Assistant City Attorney James A. Masters was present and said he had no objection to the continuance. Upon motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the public hearing was continued until Monday, March 5, 1979 at the regular meeting of the Board. The Board advised Mr. McLaughlin that the pool hall should not be operating and Mr. McLaughlin said Mr. Brinson does not have a license and without a license could not operate. BIDS FOR TURNOUT COATS REJECTED AND READVERTISING APPROVED Chief Oscar Van Wiele submitted a report to the Board that the bids received for the turnout coats had been reviewed by his Depart- ment. The review indicates that the coats bid do meet specifications. However, the firefighters have shown a preference for coats furnished by other than the low bidder. The Chief made no recommendation on an award but left it to the discretion of the Board. Also submitted to the Board was a letter from the Clothing Committee of the Firefighters Local Union No. 362, indicating that they have reservations about acceptance of the low bid from Shamrock Emergency Vehicles because they have not been assured that the coat bid meets all specifications, particularly State Standards. The Committee requested that the Board insure that the turnout coats purchased at least meet the bid specifica- tions. Upon motion made by Mr. McMahon, seconded by Mr. Brunner and carried, the letters were ordered filed. Assistant Chief Dan Mirocha said, according to the bid submitted by Shamrock, the coat did meet specifications. Union representatives noted that Shamrock did not have a coat as bid available. Mr. McMahon pointed out that the Board must rely on the Fire Department with regard to the specifications and a review of the bids received. He asked if the firefighters had contacted Shamrock regarding the coat they bid. John Samarich said they did contact Shamrock and were told.there was not a coat available for inspection,. He noted that the specifications require that the coat bid have double stitching and not single stitching. James Brien advised the Board that the Clothing Committee would like some assurance from Shamrock that the coat they bid does meet specifications. From all indications, it would appear that the coat bid would not meet specifications with regard to pocket flaps, stitching on the flaps and the thread used must be compatible with the coat. He said there is a discrepancy in the sizes as specified and in the liner which specifications require to be stitched to the coat. Mr. Brien provided the Board with a copy of the NFPA Standards. Mr. Brunner asked Chief Mirocha whether the specifications required compliance with the standards referred to. Chief Mirocha stated the specifications require that the coats meet NFPA Standards. Mr. McMahon said he would suggest that Shamrock be contacted to clarify their bid. Mr. Samarich said Shamrock was contacted and indicated they did not have a coat available and did not want to get into a shoving match over the bids. Councilman Roger Parent noted that, when the Council negotiated salaries with the Fire Department, they asked that the men pay $25.00 toward the cost of the turnout coats from their clothing allowance. The City would pay $100 and the men would pay $25.00. Inasmuch as all the bids met specifications, the Council's intent would be to allow the men to buy the best coat and the Board could consider not just the lowest, but the lowest and best, bid. Mr. McMahon asked Mr. Parent if the Council intended the Board to select a coat without using-the low bid price. Mr. Parent said if the difference per coat was only $8.00, it would be better to buy the best coat: regardless of the difference. Mr. McMahon suggested that the Fire Department contact Shamrock to get specific information about the �i'