Athens City Council members Monday, in the process of making more than a $200,000 payment on an almost-two-year-old fire truck, made it clear: The city desperately needed a new ladder, and it has been worth the money.
“It was a necessity,” said Councilwoman Chris Knisely, D-at large.
In 2011, council approved the $1.1 million purchase of the new fire truck, for which they are currently in the process of approving a payment of $225,000. It is being paid for in part by Ohio University.
The truck was bought because it has taller ladders to reach the residence halls, said Kathy Hecht, the city auditor, adding university residents made 80 percent of the calls, which are most commonly related to microwaves.
The university agreed to contribute five annual payments of $50,000, amounting to a total of $250,000, according to a previous Post article.
The partnership came about because of an economic downfall city leaders reported in Athens at the time. Then-City Council President Bill Bias previously said OU’s gift was “a very positive move.”
“Both Ohio University and the city are in strained economic times, so it’s hard to ignore a quarter of a million dollars,” Bias said in a previous Post article.
The current truck replaced a 22-year-old fire ladder.
Council also further discussed moving merchants with the Athens Farmers Market to a more permanent location, following a plea market representatives made to council late last month to help them move from their current location at 1000 E. State St. Top priorities for a new, permanent market: plumbing and parking.
Mayor Paul Wiehl said he would need authorization to apply for a grant for the land, of which a location is not certain.
Wiehl added the city would probably have to manage the property once it is bought because the Athens Farmers Market doesn’t seem to want to manage it at this point.
“We have some time before they have to spread their wings and fly away,” Wiehl said.
Also at council, members mulled over an estimated $24,000 in renovations to the council chambers, including a wood-paneled desk where council members sit during meetings. Currently, the chambers, located on the third floor of City Hall, 8 E. Washington St., are not accessible to persons with disabilities, but renovations, which could be completed by January, would include a ramp for wheelchairs.
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