By Carson Ellis
For the Stettler Independent
Town council welcomed the Manager of the Stettler Regional Fire Department, Ivan Dijkstra.
Dijkstra was requesting a decision for the purchase of a new SUV for the fire department. As part of the newly formed fire agreement between the County and Town, the cost of the vehicle is to be split between the two municipalities, as well as the cost of outfitting the chosen vehicle. The Town’s share of the cost was allotted in the 2024 budget.
A tender for quotes was issued for a full-sized sport utility vehicle. Although many quotes were submitted, several of them were disqualified due to not meeting specifications. Six final bids were considered, including bids from Aspen Ford and Stettler Dodge.
The vehicle from Aspen had a 24-week delivery window, which is too long for the department’s immediate needs and, based on history, end up not materializing. A Jeep Wagoneer from Stettler Dodge was considered. It also has a long delivery window and is white while the tender requested red.
A Chevrolet Tahoe from Competition Chevrolet in St. Albert met all specifications in the tender. It is also available for delivery within one week of being awarded the purchase.
The unit was quoted at $87,800.00. The unit would then be outfitted as an emergency vehicle ahead of wildfire season. The estimated cost of outfitting is between $25-30,000. Town administration recommended that council proceed with the purchase from Competition Chevrolet
Members of council inquired into various details that had been mentioned regarding other quotes, specifically from local dealerships which had come in lower than the recommended bid.
One of the main specifications was the interior was to be vinyl as a precaution for fire crews and their gear having dirt and fluids that would stain cloth interiors.
Council was hoping that due to the approximate $20,000 difference from the lowest local bid to the recommended bid perhaps alternatives could be considered that would allow the purchase to remain local. They were informed that changing specified requirements could require an all-new tender for bids and extend the overall process.
Another concern that was brought up was regarding the County already approving the recommendation. Chief Administrative Officer Leann Graham explained that if the two parties were unable to agree on the purchase, it would initiate a possibly lengthy resolution process. None of the members wished to hinder the new agreement with the county or their overall relationship.
Several councillors expressed their unease with the situation.
Coun. Gord Lawlor noted that they had agreed to hire Dijkstra for the position, and their hesitation in accepting the recommendation was not a reflection of him or his office. Despite this, council hoped for a resolution that could see the bid stay local, largely due to the price difference.
Dijkstra was asked by council what his current vehicle was and was told that it was on loan from the County. However, the vehicle was not properly outfitted for emergency use. It was also noted that the department that was lending the vehicle was needing it back as soon as possible.
Council deliberated the complex situation for quite some time before a motion to accept the recommendation to proceed with the purchase was made by Coun. Wayne Smith, recognizing the difficult position council was in on the matter.
An amendment was also made to his motion that a purchase policy be created as part of the new fire management agreement so that the two parties could work together to deal with many of the concerns that were discussed.
The motion was carried with four members of council in favour of the decision, and three opposed.