Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of AB A16S Shallow Water Aluminum Rigid Inflatable Boat from First Responder Boats LLC for $53,560.00
Memorandum
On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, firefighters were conducting water rescue training for several hours. The training was standard and uneventful. When the boat was brought back to the fire station, numerous separations to key structural components were found. The adhesive simply failed in several areas. The boat was taken out of service for evaluation. In speaking with the boat builder, they stated this boat was at end of life. The boat, which has an average life of ten-years, was purchased in 2009. The boat would have needed to go to Grand Rapids for repair with no guarantee on future separation. Given this, the decision was made to decommission the boat with the trailer and sold via fleet.
While the Huron River is a key recreational attraction that several thousand people utilize throughout the summer, the many hazards it presents means the fire department routinely responds to water emergencies.
The fire department has two experienced members on the Washtenaw County Technical Rescue Team - Swiftwater Group. These members have been researching numerous boat manufacturers since July, and they travelled to Kentucky to evaluate the AB A16S shallow water aluminum rigid inflatable boat in detail. Given the hazards of the Huron River, this boat is being recommended due to its stability, ability to operate in shallow water, and intake guard for the motor to prevent weeds or rocks from impacting the motor.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding is available for this purchase in the FY24 Fire Department General Fund budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Chantel Jackson, Office Manager - Fire
Reviewed by: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Huron River is a key recreational attraction with several thousand people using the river throughout the summer;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Fire Department routinely responds to emergencies on the Huron River for boaters in distress, drownings, and other water related rescues;
Whereas, The Huron River poses several hazards including rapid current, shallow water, debris, and vegetation. These hazards drive the need for a specific watercraft to be able to respond to water emergencies;
Whereas, After significant research and in-person evaluation, the fire department is recommending the purchase of an AB A16S shallow water aluminum rigid inflatable boat from First Responder Boats LLC, the sole source for said boat, for $53,560.00; and
Whereas, The fire department has sufficient funds in its FY24 budget to absorb this non-budgeted proposed expenditure;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves a purchase order for an AB A16S shallow water aluminum rigid inflatable boat from the First Responder Boats LLC for $53,560.00;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $5,356.00 for any additional unforeseen costs related to the purchase of an AB A16S shallow water aluminum rigid inflatable boat from the First Responder Boats LLC, subject to City Administrator approval;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution; and
RESOLVED, That funds for this purchase are available in the fire department’s FY24 budget to absorb this non-budgeted expenditure.