Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement of Antique 1927 American LaFrance Fire Engine to Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center ($1.00)
Memorandum
Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center in Ypsilanti approached the fire department about acquiring our 1927 American LaFrance fire engine.
This antique fire engine has been in the underground parking deck at Station 1 for the last three years. Prior to that, it was in the Station 1 mechanic’s bay for over a decade, where it was being damaged by normal daily mechanic activities.
Established as a 501c3 non-profit in 1999, the Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center's mission is to enhance the appreciation of firefighting history through engaging and informative exhibits, as well as teaching and promoting fire safety and prevention. The museum does not intend a full restoration as it is rare to find a vehicle of this age with original lettering and paint. They plan to have the engine and pump in working condition instead of cosmetic restoration.
This Purchase and Sale Agreement keeps this piece of history in Washtenaw County and will allow for public enjoyment. Additionally, should the Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center ever decide to part with it, the Ann Arbor Fire Department would have first right of refusal.
The fire department does not have the space, funding, nor personnel available to properly restore and house this vehicle for public enjoyment. A sale to the Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center will ensure this piece of history is available for future generations.
Staff
Prepared by: Chantel Jackson, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center in Ypsilanti approached the City’s fire department about acquiring the 1927 American LaFrance fire engine;
Whereas, The antique fire engine has been in the underground parking deck of Station 1 for three years after being in Station 1 mechanic’s bay for over a decade prior to that;
Whereas, The Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center is a 501c3 non-profit established in 1999 with a mission to enhance the appreciation of firefighting history through engaging and informative exhibits, as well as teaching and promoting fire safety and prevention;
Whereas, The Purchase and Sale Agreement keeps this piece of history in Washtenaw County and will allow for public enjoyment for future generations;
Whereas, The value of the antique fire engine is hard to determine but staff estimates that a fair price would likely be $15,000 to $20,000;
Whereas, Staff recommends not selling the antique fire engine through the permissive and competitive process outlined in Chapter 14, Section 1:319(1) of the Municipal Code in order to use the City property to further educational and historical purposes locally;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Fire Department would have first right of refusal if Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center ever decides to part with it; and
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Fire Department does not have the space, funding, nor personnel available to properly restore and house this vehicle for public enjoyment;
RESOLVED, That the Council hereby waives the permissive process for the sale of surplus property as outlined in Chapter 14, Section 1:319 of the City’s Municipal Code;
RESOLVED, That the Purchase and Sale Agreement of Antique 1927 American LaFrance Fire Engine to Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center is approved in the amount of $1.00;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.