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TO: Mayor Richard J Irvin
FROM: Mark Matkovich Aurora Fire Department- Assistant Chief
DATE: February 26th, 2021
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving the purchase and installation of an Eagle Air Talon II self-contained breathing air (SCBA) compressor and fill station at the Aurora Fire Department's Station 10 from SCBAS Inc. of Washington, Illinois, in the amount of $45,030.00.
PURPOSE:
To purchase and install an Eagle Air Talon II self-contained breathing air (SCBA) compressor and fill station at the Aurora Fire Department Station 10.
BACKGROUND:
One of the most important pieces of equipment firefighters use is their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The SCBA allows firefighters to work in what would otherwise be deadly environments due to heat, carbon monoxide, and other poisonous gases. Our water rescue team also has air bottles that allow them to work under water for periods of time searching for victims or items. All of these bottles need to be refilled after each use. The compressor and fill station allow us to refill the bottles in a timely fashion to get them ready for the next use.
The current SCBA compressor at Station 10 is over 25 years old. It was purchased through Foreign Fire Tax in 2011 for $1500.00 as a used unit that was approximately 15 years old. This unit is very unreliable, breaking down frequently and being out of service for days. Also, with this unit being so old it is hard to get parts for it when it does break down.
DISCUSSION:
A new compressor and fill station at central station will have a number of benefits, including:
- A larger motor, which won't need to work as hard to supply the pressure needed to fill
bottles.
- Ability to fill two bottles at once.
- Updated safety features, reducing chances of system failure or an injury to an operator
This item was published in the Aurora Beacon News, DemandStar and the City's website where 20 potential vendors and bid sites viewed the documents. At bid opening held Wednesday, February 17th, 2021, SCBAS, Inc. was the only bidder and upon review it was determined that their bid met all the AFD's specifications tor the system and maintenance.
As part of the 2021 decision package, the fire department has $45,400.00 available in account 255-3033-422.38-01.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The purchase and installation of this new compressor and fill station will help assure that all AFD units can refill air bottles in a timely fashion and be available for further emergency calls as quickly as possible. It will also reduce the downtime currently experienced with the older compressor, as well as help ensure the safety of crews charged with refilling air bottles.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The AFD recommends that the finance committee and city council approve the purchase and installation of a new SCBA compressor and filling system from SCBAS Inc. of Washington, Illinois, in the amount of $45,030.00.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee,
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to purchase an Eagle Air Talon II self-contained breathing air (SCBA) compressor and fill station, in the amount of $45,030.00 from SCBAS Inc., of Washington, IL.
body
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 Aurora Fire Department provides emergency response services to the City of Aurora, IL, and depends on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to be able to perform some of these services in safest manner possible: and
WHEREAS, at bid opening 21-15 on February 17th, 2021, SCBAS Inc., of Washington, IL, was the only bidder meeting the specifications set forth by the fire department: and
WHEREAS, funding for this purchase was part of a 2021 decision package and budgeted $45,400.00 in account 255-3033-422.38-01.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: purchase an Eagle Air Talon II SCBA compressor and fill station in the amount of $45,030.00, from SCBAS, Inc., of Washington, Illinois.