Lansing City Council hears about community initiatives, including Hometown Hero banners, Learning Tree Child Care Center expansion

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council convened Tuesday, January 21, a day later than its typical meeting date due to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 20. The agenda included updates on public safety, infrastructure planning, community programs, and departmental reports.

FIRE DEPARTMENT TURNOUT GEAR
The Lansing Fire Department has proposed the acquisition of new turnout gear for firefighters, highlighting the necessity for additional protective equipment due to recent personnel growth and overall rotational updating. Fire Chief Stephen Darling was in attendance at the meeting to discuss options for purchase of the gear.

“There was another dealer, if you will, that reached out to me with another quote that we got, and this is actually the stuff that we wanted to get in the first place, and it just so happens to work out that the price is actually cheaper than anything else,” Darling explained.

Among the proposals is a quote from MacQueen, which includes a special promotion: the purchase of 10 sets of turnout gear at a cost of $4,324.53 per set, which will feature 10 complimentary pairs of boots valued at $580 each, resulting in a savings of $5,800. Darling explained the quote also includes 10 Nomex hoods valued between $25 and $30 each.

The total expense for acquiring all 10 sets amounts to $43,245.30. Darling further noted the opportunity to rotate older gear to newer personnel, enhancing overall safety and functionality of the department. “That’ll basically allow us to rotate some of the older gear to the newer guys and then basically continue that cycle,” he shared.

With discussion further evolving around the City of Lansing and the Lansing Rural Fire Board splitting the cost of the new gear, Darling suggested the immediate purchase of five sets to capitalize on the promotional savings while addressing pressing needs. He expressed, “I would rather see the five (sets purchased) because I just don’t want to miss out on that $580 a piece for boots and all that stuff.”

Mayor Mike Verdon reiterated the City’s commitment to supporting the Fire Department through the 28E agreement between the two entities, emphasizing, “We need to honor the commitment of that 28E agreement... the City needs to do that.” Ultimately, the council approved the purchase of five sets for a total cost of $21,622.65, with plans to revisit the possibility of additional purchases later in the year.

To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, January 29, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.