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The Victoria

GAZETTE

April 2011

MAT WEBER RETIRES AFTER 20 YEARS

IN THE VICTORIA FIRE DEPARTMENT

         Mat Weber joined the Victoria Fire Department July 23rd, 1990, and retired August 1st, 2010.  His service to the community and the Fire Department was publicly recognized at the Victoria City Council meeting on Monday, March 14th.  Andrew Heger, Assistant Chief of the Victoria Fire Department, presented words of appreciation and a plaque that evening.   Andrew reported that during Mat's time with the department, Mat served seven years as Engine Company Captain and 14 years as Treasurer of the Victoria Firefighters Relief Association.  Many members of the Victoria Fire Department arrived to witness the presentation that evening and to honor their fellow firefighter.  Members of Mat's family were also in the audience.

 

TWO NEW CHEVY TRUCKS FOR VICTORIA

REPLACING OLD TRUCKS, RUSTY AND FALLING APART

         Council approved the purchase of two 2011 Chevrolet trucks from Lenzen Chevrolet with the trade-in and purchase of plows, lights, and box from Aspen equipment for a total cost of $59,805 plus tax, license, and fees.

         The trucks being replaced include a 1997 GMC 1-ton with 83,000 miles on it and a 2000 Chevy 1-ton with 75,000 miles on it.

         Stated Mayor Mary Thun, "I asked Ann Mahnke [Public Works Director] how we could justify this purchase.  She said one of the city trucks is rusting out and the plow is falling off.  But in 2010 we spent $136,000 on trucks.  We'd be spending $214,000 in less than two years.  Do we really need to do this?  I want the council to think about these type of expenditures in these kind of times."

         Director Mahnke responded at the podium.  "We do have a replacement schedule," she said.  "Generally speaking, we utilize a truck for ten years or 100,000 miles.  The '97 vehicle has  been pushed out several years.  A new transmission is $3,500.  These pieces of equipment are used for heavy work.  It comes to the point where you have to make a decision on it.  Both of these trucks are in very bad shape.  My recommendation is to stay on course."

         Ann also admitted, "Maybe another truck next year.  We've pushed them out beyond the replacement schedule.  The '97 needs a transmission."

         "Is there any advantage in waiting six month?" asked the mayor.

         "The state bid will stay through the year," said Ann.

         Commented City Administrator Don Uram, "I'm more concerned about staff downtime.  Downtime costs  money.  Saving money for another six months doesn't do anything for us."

         Stated Ann, "Overall, the vehicles are very well maintained.  The replacement schedule has decreased our downtime."

         "If we don't continue to invest in the infrastructure, it can all come tumbling down," said Councilmember Kim Roden.

         Councilmember Tom O'Connor asked if it was possible to salvage equipment on the old trucks.  "No," replied Ann.

         The motion to make the purchase passed 4-1 with Mayor Thun casting the dissenting vote.

 

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This large contingency of Victoria firefighters attended the March 14th presentation.  Front (l-r):  Aaron Jurek, Jason Hesse, Tom Walsh, Retiring Firefighter Mat Weber, Rick Leuthner, Jeff Nordeen, Andrew Heger.  Back:  Bryan Pyne, John Wong Dock, Clint Matvick, Dean Adams, Retired Firefighter Doug Schmieg, Retired Firefighter Doug Jurek, Dave Shoger, Justin Jurek, Brian Pulvermacher.