COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – On a 6-3 vote, the Coldwater City Council gave Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz permission on Monday night to enter into a contract with Spencer Manufacturing of South Haven to build and deliver a new fire engine to the Coldwater Fire Department.
The Fire Department received permission last fall from the City Council to start the process of designing a new engine and then sending out requests for bids to multiple manufacturers.
Schmaltz pointed out a new fire engine was needed because the department has two vehicles that are over 25 years of age.
But Schmaltz reported only one bid was received from Spencer Manufacturing for a total of over $822,000. The price was only guaranteed for 30 days from the bid opening as the availability of materials is still an issue.
Mayor Tom Kramer was uncomfortable with just one bid being submitted.
After a lengthy discussion, Council Member Mike Beckwith felt a vote needed to be taken.
Kramer along with Council members Jim Knaack and Chad Johnson cast the no votes.
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