The Richmond Hill City Council met in regular session Tuesday night to discuss updates to the fire department’s fleet and an amendment to the Fire Prevention and Protection ordinance, Chapter 38.
City Manager Chris Lovell asked the council to consider using SPLOST VII funds on a new addition to the Richmond Hill Fire Department fleet in anticipation of growth and structural changes in the city this year. The engine, a Pierce 2020 custom aerial device aptly named the Richmond Hill 107-ft Enforcer with ascendant ladder would cost $864,000, and would provide support for newly annexed areas in 2020.
According to information provided by the RHFD, another exit is scheduled to open by fall/winter 2020, Frances Meeks Elementary School is set to open in August within city limits, and locations are being scouted for a third fire station to cover these areas with RHFD proposing a temporary station as soon as fall 2020 while a permanent station is planned.
Though RHFD has reserve pumpers, these are used in the event a frontline engine is not available and for training purposes. While the City of Richmond Hill has a mutual agreement with Chatham County to assist with aerial fire services, having their own equipment gives RHFD independence and self-reliance.
According to RHFD, the Richmond Hill 107-ft Enforcer is a new, custom-designed engine that has the same transmission as two other engines already in use at RHFD, which streamlines parts acquisition. It has a 500-gallon water tank, a lifespan of 20-25 years, meets all National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards, and will be available in 9-12 months.
The council unanimously approved the purchase.
Richmond Hill Fire Chief Brendon Greene presented the council with an amendment to Chapter 38 – Fire Prevention and Protection that adjusts the ordinance to adopt a life safety code also adopted by the State of Georgia.
As it was a first reading of the amendment, no vote was taken and the council will vote on the amendment at the next meeting.
The council approved a trade for two new drones at Richmond Hill Police Department. Chief Mitch Shores said it would come at no cost to the city, but since the drone to be traded is city property, council approval is required.
The council also approved an alcohol license to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption only at Taco King Flaco, LLC DBA Flacos House Bar and Grill located at 4495 US Highway 17, previously Flacos Tacos.
City Clerk Dawnne Greene said the establishment is under new ownership and the owner, Marilu Michel has passed her background check.
The council then approved the same license at Ford Avenue Pizza and Pasta, LLC located at 10747 Ford Avenue, Suite 8. Greene said this establishment, That’s Italian, is also under new ownership and the owner, Gennaro Esposito has passed his background check.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb, 4 at 7 p.m. For more information, call (912) 756-3345.