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May 18, 2009

AFD to apply for federal grants

By Lauren Ricks Staff Writer

The Athens Fire Department has gotten the green light to move forward on two grant applications.

The Athens City Council approved motions allowing the department to apply for federal grants for the purchase of new equipment.

“The fire department has been actively seeking grants to be good stewards of our budget,” AFD Chief John McQueary said.

He said if approved, the Federal Emergency Management Administration Department of Homeland Security for Assistance of Firefighters Grant Program for vehicle acquisition will purchase a new Aerial Quint Apparatus. The total cost of the new apparatus will be $640,000, according to McQueary. The city will pay five percent of the cost, which adds up to $32,000.

He said the new apparatus will replace the department’s current ladder truck. McQueary said replacement parts are no longer manufactured for the truck and it has limited capabilities.

“A Quint is a combination truck that possesses an aerial ladder on board but can pump as an Engine does,” he said. “So when you have an aerial arrive on a scene it can perform either task, whichever is the greatest need at the time.”

McQueary said it would take a year to manufacture and deliver the Quint and one month to have the Apparatus Committee to “speck it out.”

The second grant the department will apply for through FEMA will be used to purchase radios and Hazmat equipment. The $196,976 grant would buy an 800 radio system and Hazmat equipment, McQueary said. If the grant is approved, the city will pay $9,848.

“This would put a mobile radio in each apparatus, one portable for each firefighter and one base at Central station,” he said.

Following an executive session the council also:

• appointed Conor Bateman as City Attorney and

• promoted City Secretary Pam Watson to Assistant City Administrator. City Administrator Pam Burton said Watson will take on new duties, in addition to her current responsibilities.

She said Watson will provide assistance and act on behalf of the City Administrator, and have supervisory direction over the Municipal Court.

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