CANTON — Fire Chief Shane Gallant asked selectmen Thursday night to approve buying a 2002 ambulance to haul equipment to scenes and provide a heated space for personnel working at scenes.
Gallant, who stepped down from his position as selectman to speak on the issue, said he took the 1999 squad truck out of service because it is unsafe. The truck regularly transports equipment on every call. It’s particularly valuable in the winter so engines aren’t used on traffic details in bad weather, he said.
The squad truck is a remodeled ambulance so the rear compartment is heated and provides a warming space for crews directing traffic, he said.
Gallant asked selectmen to approve the purchase of a 2002 ambulance built on a Freightliner chassis. The vehicle has a heavy-duty frame and a 20- to 30-year life expectancy. A medium-duty truck would last 10 to 15 years, he said.
“We need that vehicle,” Gallant said. He said the asking price is $14,500, but that may not be the final price.
He said money in the reserve account would pay for it.
Selectmen decided to postpone action until their next meeting so they know if they can authorize the purchase without a special town meeting.
In other business, the snowmobile club will be given until Sept. 1 to remove their property from the old Town Office. The town will remove old records and books in preparation for selling the building. Selectmen decided to leave the kitchen equipment and dishes there, but take the refrigerator for the Fire Department.
Resident Pauline Bussiere discussed the grant awarded for construction of a bridge connecting the parking lot on the Route 140 side of Whitney Brook to the newly constructed boat ramp on the other side. This multiuse bridge will provided for pedestrian, ATV and snowmobile traffic, as well as wheelchair access to the boat ramp and a small park. The ATV and snowmobile clubs will maintain the bridge.
The town approved applying for the grant more than a year ago. Bookkeeping details need to be worked out before selectmen approve accepting the money.
Transfer station manager Jim Dyment discussed hours of operation with selectmen. Hours were recently changed to Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some residents did not know the official hours and the sign announcing them was stolen from the station.
Selectmen awarded Archie’s Inc. of Mexico the contract to haul waste and recyclables from the transfer station. It will provide a receptacle for bulky waste, such as furniture, once per month. It will also provide residents with dumpsters or curbside pickup for bulky waste.
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