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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Mike Kaufman, Assistant Fire Chief
Jim Birchall, Chief Public Facilities Officer
DATE: April 10, 2025
SUBJECT:
I request that the director of purchasing be authorized to issue the necessary purchase orders to purchase and install a new Plymovent vehicle exhaust system at Fire Station #7 in the amount of $80,288 to Hastings Air Energy.
PURPOSE:
This purchase would provide a new vehicle exhaust system to Fire Station 7. The current system is inefficient and creates health and safety concerns for our personnel.
BACKGROUND:
Fire Station 7 was built in 2018 and was outfitted with an "Airvac 911" exhaust system at the time (see picture #1). This system consists of five exhaust units that sit at the ceiling level of the apparatus bay. The system is designed to activate when the vehicle is powered on and pulling in or out of the station and effectively remove the exhaust fumes. When the system was initially installed, the idea was to take advantage of new technology that would allow for easier function and less maintenance for the department. Unfortunately, the system has proven to be inefficient, even though properly maintained by our firefighters. There is a constant buildup of soot on the inside walls and sound-dampening panels. There are also older, reserve vehicles stored at station 7 that tend to push out more exhaust than the newer vehicles, which causes a larger risk to our personnel. Personnel have expressed that when the reserve engine starts in the morning, they can smell the exhaust in the kitchen area due to the close vicinity of the exhaust pipe to the kitchen entry door (see pictures #2,3). Maintenance for this system requires our personnel to be in encapsulated suits and respiratory protection while removing the old filters full of concentrated particles of combustion. This maintenance occurs monthly while working from a large A-frame ladder at ceiling level.
All other Aurora fire stations, as well as the stations under construction, have Nederman and/or Plymovent exhaust removal systems installed (see pictures #6,7,8) These are comprised of a hose that attaches directly to the vehicle's exhaust pipe and removes all hazardous fumes while the vehicle is running. These exhaust systems stay attached to the vehicle whenever the vehicle is in the station, and automatically disconnect as the vehicle pulls out of the station. This creates a safer environment for our firefighters, as the exhaust fumes are never exposed to our personnel before being removed from the station. The proposed Plymovent system is easily maintained, as the only regular maintenance items are lubrication of the track that the hose is hung.
DISCUSSION:
The installation of a Plymovent exhaust system by Hastings Energy will reduce the risk that our personnel are currently experiencing with their ineffective exhaust system. The health and safety of our firefighters is a top priority within our organization, as it is already an inherently dangerous job. Healthier employees lead to higher productivity and less insurance costs in the future.
The funds are available in Risk Account 601-0000-410.40-75, and the vendor has no outstanding debt with the City of Aurora.
Hastings Air Energy is the regional sole source provider of this product. Per Sec 2-335 (3) sole source providers would not be competitively bid.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution impacts our community by keeping our firefighters healthy and able to respond and perform in highly stressful and hazardous environments. The ability for our firefighters to perform at a peak level keeps our community safe.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I respectfully request that the purchasing director be authorized to make payment in the amount of $80,288 to Hastings Air Energy. This is the cost to outfit fire station #7 with a new Plymovent vehicle exhaust system.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of a Plymovent vehicle exhaust system in Fire Station #7 in the amount of $80,288 to Hastings Air Energy.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Station #7 exhaust system does not perform efficiently or effectively; and
WHEREAS, Replacing the current exhaust system will provide a safe and healthy work environment for our firefighters; and
WHEREAS, Hastings Air Energy is the regional sole source provider of this product, and per Sec 2-335 (3) sole source providers would not be competitively bid; and
WHEREAS, The funds are available in Risk Account #601-0000-410.40-75.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: approval of the purchase and installation of a Plymovent vehicle exhaust system in Fire Station #7 in the amount of $80,288.00 with Hastings Air Energy and the Director of Purchasing to issue the necessary orders.