Airway Heights receives grant for fire equipment

The Airway Heights Fire Department will soon be getting some new equipment.

During the June 13 Airway Heights study session, Fire Chief Mitch Metzger informed City Council that the Fire Department was approved for a $171,715 Assistance to Firefighters grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to purchase 26 full self-contained breathing apparatus. Metzger added that the grant requires a 5 percent match ($8,585) on the city’s part, bringing the total to $180,300.75.

“That number could go down,” Metzger said of the 5 percent match. “What happens is FEMA awards you the money and you get the pricing on the equipment. We’ve already done some of that work and the price (for the apparatus) came out to $145,990.40.”

In a separate action item, Metzger asked council to approve the purchase of 14 additional apparatus, two rapid intervention team packs for the devices and three air compressors for vehicles, for $88,976.50. He said this equipment would be used for training purposes.

In presentations, council heard reports regarding the city’s senior and youth advisory commissions.

President Merlene Olmstead said the senior commission has been able to provide several activities to local seniors, including exercise programs, field trips and guest speakers. Olmstead also spoke about how the Stay Active and Independent for Life, a strength and fitness program for adults 65 and older, has helped some seniors with their balance.

“We’ve had some wonderful success in the program,” Olmstead said.

In regards to the Youth Advisory Commission, Glen Horton, parks and recreation coordinator, said two members have graduated high school and will leave the commission.

“We’ll have about six members who are going to apply for the commission,” Horton added.

The City Council moved several items forward to its June 20 meeting. including a change to Court Administrator Bree Breza’s title. Her position will now be Court Administrator and Probation Program Administrator. Breza said there is no cost associated with the title change.

Council moved forward an amendment to the Court Clerk 1 job description and a resolution that surpluses 20 very high frequency portable radios and five VHF mobile radios. It also forwarded its annual resolution proclaiming July as Parks and Recreation month.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].