New firetruck The Motley Fire Department's new #3 Freightliner firetruck recently arrived. It replaces the old #3 truck which was purchased in 1979. Motley Fire Department's brand new #3 truck has recently arrived; and they hope to be purchasing a used grass rig in the near future as well.

At their regular meeting Nov. 10, chaired by acting mayor Rob Sampson, the Motley City Council heard a report from Fire Chief Dave Greig about the new #3 truck which has already been put to the test.

"It (the new truck) was used yesterday for the first time and the firefighter who drove it (Jace Carlson) said it handled like a dream," Greig said. "Of course I wasn't there so I didn't get to drive it," he added.

The new truck - a freightliner - was purchased from a company in South Dakota. It cost approximately $192,523 and has been paid for with money from the fire fund.

It replaces the old #3 truck which the city has had since 1979. Previously, the council had approved putting the old #3 firetruck up for sale by sealed bids, with the deadline for bids Nov. 30.

Firefighter Randy Nelson is a new firefighter with the Motley Fire Department. Fire Chief Dave Greig introduced him to those in attendance at the Motley City Council meeting Nov. 10. (Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs) In addition to the update on the new firetruck, Greig mentioned, at the meeting Nov. 10, that he had recently been made aware of a used forestry truck for sale in the Menagha area. The asking price is $10,900.

"It's a good deal and it won't sit there long," Greig told the council.

The fire department's grass rig is in need of engine/ transmission repair; and they have been exploring options for either spending money to get the engine rebuilt, or purchasing a new used vehicle altogether.

Council member Duane Solga said he had done some research into both options and felt that this forestry truck has been well-maintained; and is a good deal.

Council member Nancy Nieken expressed concern as to how the truck would be paid for. She wondered if the Motley Lions were willing to help out with the cost.

Greig said that he had talked with Anita Sutton of the Motley Lions about this; but that their next meeting wasn't until the following Thursday. Subsequently, he wasn't sure how much (or if) the Lions would be donating to the fire dept.

City Clerk/Treasurer Terri Smith said she believed there was approximately $64,000 left in the fire fund. She did not have the information at hand in regard to the exact amount.

After some discussion, the council approved a motion to make an offer of $9,900 for the vehicle, with a $300 leeway cushion if needed.

Nieken was the lone nay sayer, with all other council members (except for Mayor Alexander, who was absent due to a recent back surgery) voting 'aye.'

In other matters the council:

o HEARD from City Clerk/Treasurer Terri Smith, who said she wanted to publicly thank the fire department for helping her. "I had the opportunity to utilize their services," Smith said, adding that she found the fire dept. to be very professional. "I was thankful they were there."

o APPROVED a motion to send the Beaulieu Area Streets Project to the Planning & Zoning Commis- The Motley Fire Department's new #3 Freightliner firetruck recently arrived. It replaces the old #3 truck which was purchased in 1979. sion; in order for them to review it for compliance with the city's Comprehensive Plan.

o LEARNED in a report from Utilities Supervisor Wayne Barros that all of the aerators in the wastewater ponds are running; and that it appears the effluent levels have not exceeded CBOD or TSS this month.

Barros also mentioned that the maintenance dept. has begun removing duckweed from the ponds; and that they are still looking for a skidsteer.

o LEARNED from the police dept. report submitted by Police Chief Brian Madison, that during the month of October there were 49 complaints/calls; nine state citations; six accidents; and 21 misc./public assists.

o MET new firefighter Randy Nelson, in attendance at the meeting. Greig mentioned that Nelson had volunteered a lot of help with the recent remodeling project at the fire station.

o EXPRESSED their appreciation to Smith for all of her hard work; and told her they were glad to have her back.

o SET next regular council meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. Randy Nelson is a new firefighter with the Motley Fire Department. Fire Chief Dave Greig introduced him to those in attendance at the Motley City Council meeting Nov. 10. (Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs)