Politics & Government
In Brief: Plymouth City Commission Approves $20,000 Fire Truck Repair
Cost of new truck would cost as much as $1 million, city manager says.
With 75 days until the city , the Plymouth City Commission voted Monday to repair one of Plymouth’s aerial trucks to ensure it’s in good condition.
In a memo by City Manager Paul Sincock, the truck was returned from Plymouth Township after the city and township agreement. Sincock estimated the truck to be from the late 1970s to early 1980s. Because of its infrequent use, Sincock said, the truck still is in good condition, but had hydraulic leaks and broken pressure gauges.
The commission approved $20,000 in repairs, with a $5,000 leeway to address any other issues that might be found during the repair process. The cost of a new aerial truck, Sincock estimated, is between $850,000 and $1 million.
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Commission extends mandatory communications permit
The Plymouth City Commission voted Monday to grant a three-year extension on a permit for McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, a phone provider, under the state’s Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Right of Way Oversight Act, or METRO Act.
The extension allows the company to continue to use the city’s right-of-way for telecommunications hookups and equipment, but the commission really had no choice in the matter.
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According to a memo by City Manager Paul Sincock, state law provides no real opportunity for local governments to negotiate aspects of the deal and the Plymouth City Commission must approve the contract or it is automatically approved under state law.
Commissioner David Workman voiced displeasure over the mandate, saying the placement of the green boxes along city streets in public view in neighborhoods was unsightly and that residents had no say in the issue. He cast the lone dissenting vote.
“I’m going to vote my powerful ‘no’ because it’s all I’ve got,” Workman said before the issue was put up to vote.
Mayor Dan Dwyer also criticized the process and lack of efficiency in having municipalities approve an item that already is mandated by the state.
City authorizes eventual officer hire
The City of Plymouth gave the unanimous OK on Monday to begin the hiring process for a police officer.
The hiring would abide by the city’s hiring ordinance, which mandates the city administration seek approval from the city commission before any full-time hires, and would fill the position of an existing officer who is retiring at the end of October.
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