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Date: 11/2/2023
AGAWAM — The City Council on Oct. 16 unanimously approved a resolution to appropriate $1,904,786 for the Fire Department to purchase an aerial ladder truck. Councilor Rosemary Sandlin said the vote was “procedural” and that a new fire truck was already approved in the town’s capital improvement budget.
Councilor George Bitzas came out in favor of the item. He said he was shocked to see the price, but he thinks “it’s well spent money to protect the safety of our residents.” He also said he talked with firefighters about it and heard positive responses.
“It’s needed and if something is needed, we have to do it,” he said.
Bitzas said the last time a truck was purchased was 20 years ago, and it’s time for a new one.
Sandlin said that Fire Chief Alan Sirois informed the council they needed this motion to purchase the truck.
“Eventually, we’re going to pay this out of the [Capital] Stabilization Fund, but right now he needs the authorization to buy it,” she said.
Responding to a question from Bitzas, council President Christopher Johnson said that once the truck is ready to be delivered — a process that will take 12 to 15 months — the council will have to decide with the mayor how it will be paid.
“In order to move forward at this point, in order to place the order with the low bidder, the council has to appropriate the money,” he said. “They can’t place the order without the appropriation being there.”
Johnson said the council could vote to pay for it with the stabilization fund. The next mayoral administration could, in theory, decide to borrow the money, instead of approaching the council.
Bitzas said he believes the next mayor will take it out of the stabilization fund.
“That makes sense, less painful for the people,” he said.
The council passed the resolution unanimously, with 10 “yes” votes. Councilor Paul Cavallo was absent.
The council also introduced a resolution to establish a school speed zone at Agawam High School, after discussing the proposal Oct. 2. The resolution was sent to the Community Relations Committee for study.
“We’re hoping that we could hook some state funding in to make that happen,” said Johnson.