01-19-76 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 19, 1976 The delivery date for Peter Pirsch and Sons is twelve to fourteen months, while Michiana Mack has promised delivery of one unit in 120 days, one unit in 150 days and one unit in 180 days. Mr. Farrand said it was the opinion of the Board of Public Works that both Peter Pirsch and Sons Company and Michiana Mack, Inc., provide excellent equipment. However, the advantages of standardization of equipment outweigh the cost savings reflected in this specific instance. Fire Chief Snider said he invited the Councilmen to look at the Peter Pirsch, since we do not have any in service. He said that two Councilmen did go to the factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He stated that he felt that the Peter Pirsch chassis was comparable with the Mack, but the custom work was far superior. Councilman Horvath said that it was his understanding that while at the Pirsch factory they did not see a truck comparable with the one they would bid on. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, said that he recalled in the Board of Public Works meeting, when the decision was made, he raised an objection because they were not purchasing the lowest price unit. The trucks and equipment are growing larger, year by year and eventually the City of South Bend is going to be faced with getting any new equip- ment into the fire house, so there will be a need to make fire station doorways larger to accomodate new equipment. In regard to standardization of the fire fleet by using Macks, Mr. Evans expressed concern that eventually this might remove the City from competitive bidding. I appreciate the desire to standardize, if it were my fleet I certainly would, but we give up something when we do this. Mr. Ronald Delcamp, Vice President and General Manager of Michiana Mack, said that on approxi- mately December 20, 1975, he received a letter of intent from the Board of Works. In order to maintain the fast delivery we quoted, I committed Michiana Mack for three fire trucks to the City of South Bend, which I now own, and I think this is a fact that should be considered. He said that had this been a scratch order it would be different situation, because at this point we would just be involved in the basic work, but now we are at the point of an order that should be six or eight months down the line. He said that Mr. Evans has a point that standardi- zation removes the competition factor. However, as long as your specifications are comparable, you can go with two manufacturers. So I do not believe that by buying Michiana Mack pumpers you are by any means locked into a situation. Mrs. Jane Swan, 2022 Swygart, asked if the side mounted lights would be on one side or both. Chief Snider said there would be one on each side or on the hood with a reflector. Mrs. Swan asked that since the side mounts were a variation from the specifications would there be an additional charge, and Chief Snider said, No. Mr. Brad Tinkham, President purchased three chassis and one of the hazards of doing zation of equipment but he two makes, but not one. He bid. of Shamrock Ford, said that prior to he now owns them and cannot bid them business. He said there was a great did not know of a major truck fleet t] wanted to know what dollar value you rejection of his bid he had to the City, he said that was deal of validity in standardi- zat standardized on one make, standardize on the low or high Councilman Taylor said he would like to know the delivery dates on the Mack and the Pirsch. Mr. Farrand said that two Macks would be delivered in approximately six months and the third twelve to fourteen months. All three Pirsch have twelve to fourteen months delivery dates. Council- man Taylor said that both ex -chief Bland and Fire Chief Snider say there is a real need, so I do think one of the facts involved is the potential for delivery date. Chief Snider commented that Pirsch is superior on their workmanship, and I would like to know what you base your opinion on. Chief Snider said he based it on past experience with Macks, he said they were having a lot of minor problems. Councilman Taylor said it was his understanding that most of the people on the Department were happy with the Macks. Chief Snider indicated they were happy becau they are upgraded over the older equipment. Councilman Taylor said that he respected Mr. Farrand judgement, and said he thought Council was getting close to an affair that belonged to the Board of Works. He said he did not think Council should make the decision and would recommend that Council appropriate the necessary amount of funds for the purchase. Councilman Kopczynski said that at the time the bids were submitted the previous Board of Works sent a letter of intent to purchase the Macks, and they did not have any knowledge of the Pirsch equipment. It was only last Friday that Mr. Farrand went with the group to the Pirsch factory. As far as getting into the area of the Board of Works, I feel under certain circumstances we would not be doing our job as Councilmen if we did not review these decisions. It is our duty as Councilmen to make certain the money we appropriate is spent wisely. These are the types of things I get into and I think fortunate for the City I do, that is for the taxpayer. I cannot put stock in some of the recommendations of the administration. I think it is very unfair we Ka- to appropriate money for a purchase that should have taken more time to get into and not have a crash program to buy fire trucks. I feel the money should not be appropriated at all until such time as the Board of Works will take the necessary time to deliberate fully and openly on bids for fire trucks. Councilman Adams asked if the Macks would fit in all existing stations. Chief Snider said with the specified lights they will not fit. However, an arrangement was made to put a lower profile light that will fit into the fire stations, but this was not in the specifications. Councilman Adams questioned Mr. Farrand regarding the savings of $16,000.00 by accepting the Pirsch bid, however, in caucus it was indicated there would be another $3,000.00 savings by paying a down - payment. Mr. Farrand said that we cannot, in accordance with state law, make a down payment. Councilman Dombrowski indicated he was disappointed they did not see an actual truck when they visited the Pirsch factory. He said he thought the maneuverability of the Mack was best, and this was a big point to consider. He indicated he visited some fire stations, and they recommended the Mack highly. He said that in the First District there is a truck that cannot make a hill, so he would recommend favorably the Council pass this tonight. Council President Parent seconded the motion. Council President Parent indicated the Council should not be involved in the type of fire truck the City is going to purchase. All the Council, in December, wanted Macks, now they feel they do not want Mack trucks. The Board of Works made the decision, a letter of intent was written to the company, and the Council was asked if they had any objection to writing the letter and there was no objection.