3.8. SR 08-24-1998ity of
River
**Item #3.8?*
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor & City Council
Bruce A. West, Fire Chief ?~
August 24, 1998
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) Air Charge Compressor
The Elk River Fire Department is requesting approval from the Council for
the purchase of a new SCBA Air Charge Compressor to replace the unit that
was purchased in 1983. Within the past four to six weeks, the fire
department has experienced significant problems within the existing unit. I
have had a maintenance person at the fire station to check out the problems
with the current unit.
After extensive review, it has been determined that to repair the current
compressor, the cost would be approximately $3,200. The repair would not
be a complete rebuilding of the current system, just bringing the unit back on
line. With the unit being 15 years old, I do not believe this is fiscally
responsible and would just be an expensive band-aid. The average life
expectancy of a SCBA compressor is 10 to 15 years.
I have discussed this with Pat Klaers and Lori Johnson and recommended to
them the purchase of a new unit for the fire department. I have made
contact with three vendors who supply air charge compressor systems for fire
departments throughout the United States. All three vendors were supplied
the same minimum specifications to use as guidelines. The following bids
were received:
· CompressAir and Equipment
· Mako Air Compressor
· North Shore Compressor
$10,990
$10,050
$ 8,224
I am recommending to the Mayor and City Council the acceptance of North
Shore Compressor's bid for the purchase of a new air charge compressor to
include labor, material, installation, trade-in of the old compressor, and all
accessories. I have reviewed with Pat Klaers and Lori Johnson the funding
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
for the new air charge compressor and it will be taken from the fire
department's general fund budget or if funds are unavailable, then they will
be taken from equipment reserves. If you have any questions in reference to
this issue, please feel free to call me at the Elk River Fire Department at 441-
4919.