ELLINWOOD — In a special called meeting Thursday evening, the Ellinwood City Council approved replacing the city fire building and a tank truck that were both destroyed in a vehicle crash in October. On Oct. 6, the driver of a Chevy Silverado crashed into the Ellinwood Fire Department’s south building, severely damaging the structure along with several department vehicles.  

The council hired local contractor Joiner Construction Inc. to construct the new fire building at a cost of $150,850.  

Dimensions of the new building are 45 feet wide, 120 feet long and 16 feet high. An eight-piece, 12 by 14 overhead door is also included along with door operators. Three-inch blanket insulation will match the existing insulation. Concrete repair will include removal and replacement of the two-foot section of stem wall between garage doors at two locations. The location of the removed stem wall will serve as the middle point of the building. New piers and a foundation for an additional 60 feet will be included. The pre-manufactured building is scheduled to be installed in early February.

The council also approved $18,000 for the purchase of a tank truck to replace the one destroyed in the October crash. Councilors authorized the purchase of a 2005 International Durastar 4300 from Scheppers International Truck Center in Jefferson City, MO. The truck sports a 230 horsepower engine with 188,719 miles. It also features hydraulic brakes and a six-speed transmission. The truck is scheduled to arrive in Ellinwood after Thanksgiving.