LARNED — Thanks to a small SPARKS Fund windfall, the Larned Fire Department will soon be completely up to date on its equipment rotation. That, and a new training facility in the works make 2021 something to look forward to, but getting there hasn’t been smooth sailing. 

City Manager Brad Eilts Monday night invited Larned Fire Chief Randy Bird to present a revised request complete with updated pricing for turnout gear and 800 MHz radios to be made from $21,373.60 in SPARKS Funds previously allocated by the County SPARKS Fund Committee. 

Bird’s initial request had been for two Motorola 800 MHz radios with three-year warranties and 10 sets of turnout gear. Pricing the radios wasn’t difficult.  The committee reduced the number of turnout gear to eight due to the $2,000 estimated cost, allotting $16,273.60. For the radios, they agreed to set aside $5,100. Two Motorola APX4500 800 MHz radios could be purchased for $2,508.15, which included a three-year warranty.

Bird went shopping, and found some good deals on turnout gear from three trusted suppliers. The lowest bid, from Municipal Emergency Services of Fremont, Neb., was $1,565 per set. 

With 10 sets, he said, the department would be up to date with turnout gear, and could then begin adhering to its suggested two per year replacement schedule. Fire turnout gear is required to be replaced every 10 years, he said, and last year, the department did not replace any gear.  

The department also currently has five out of nine radios converted over to 800 MHz. Two additional radios were approved for purchase earlier this year, and are expected to be received shortly. With the addition of two more, the switchover will be complete.  

Eilts summed it up. The revised request was for two Motorola 800 MHz radios for $5,016.30 and 10 sets of turnout gear at $1,565 per set from Municipal Emergency Services for a total of $15,650. Altogether, the revised request came in $707.30 under the original budget. He added that all items would be delivered within the timeline specified by the SPARKS Fund. 

This was all great news. Councilman Jason Murray then took the opportunity to ask for an update on the proposed LFD training facility to be built on land purchased in early March. The question caused the discussion to take an unexpected turn. 

Larned Fire Chief Randy Bird started off by noting that a container had been set on the property and additional containers may be added for training on structure fires. Also, the department planned to have cars delivered for vehicle extrication training. The goal is to have the facility ready for use by the time the state fire school stars in 2021. The 2020 school was cancelled. But when pressed, he noted the department has been waiting for months to take full possession of the property.

Background on deal

At the Feb. 3, 2020 regular city council meeting, City Manager Brad Eilts informed the council of an offer Allen Taylor, Larned’s Street Department Superintendent, had presented to him concerning property he owned next to the city landfill. Instead of building a new fire department training facility at the landfill, it was suggested Taylor’s site would be better suited.  

Previously, the Larned Fire Dept. was considering development of about three acres within the old landfill for a training facility. 

The northern section of the Taylor property is about the same size, three acres. The current training site at the landfill was still in need of seeding and fencing while the northern section of the Taylor property already had grass and was fenced on three sides. Taylor told the city he would run a fence along the final side if the city purchased it. Also, electric lines and PAL lights for security would need to be added at the landfill site, while the Taylor property already had them in place. Parking would also be easier than at the landfill, and visibility would deter vandals, so concerns about security would be less. 

With the additional acreage, the city would have a place to store excess snow cleared from streets when needed. 

A 42’ by 20’ building with T-30 air compressor and a metal workbench with cabinets could be used to store LFD equipment. 

In addition, a walking trail was envisioned to connect the existing walking trail at the city fishing pond and traversing under the Broadway bridge throughout the old landfill area. 

In March, the council considered the contract for the 8.59 acre piece of land, which Taylor agreed to sell for $25,000. After some discussion, Jason Murray asserted the bridge should be for foot traffic only and the city should add a lockable gate at the highway access to the property. The council approved the deal and turned it over to City Attorney Ron Smith to draw up the contract and execute, subject to agreeable terms for title fee and other real estate costs.  

Five months and counting

Bird said after five months, his department still hasn’t been able to take possession of the building because Taylor’s personal property has not been moved out yet. When approached, he said Taylor had promised repeatedly he would remove it, but as yet the move out is still incomplete. While there is some space available inside to move the department’s equipment, he plans to change locks on the doors before that happens, and didn’t feel comfortable doing that until the space is fully cleared. 

“I didn’t want it to come to this point, but at this point it’s out of my hands,” Bird said. “I can’t keep asking. Something is going to have to come from you guys.”

Mayor William Nusser noted it puts the city in an awkward position. Some discussion ensued about how personal property is treated when real estate is sold compared to when it is leased. 

“I inquired because I hadn’t seen any advancement or activity out there,” Murray said. 

It may become a moot point, however. Eilts told the council he will visit with Taylor and assured them all of his belongings will be removed by the end of the weekend. 

Still, Mayor William Nusser was not placated. His concern centered around the fence which also had not yet been built. He then called for a motion to approve the SPARKS Fund request by the fire department. It passed unanimously.