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- City gears up for "haz-mat" incidents
- SUNNYSIDE (7-7-98)--The city's fire department is gearing up to respond to hazardous material emergencies, it was revealed at a city council meeting last night.
Such incidents could include accidental ammonia and chlorine gas releases. Sunnyside FD will eventually host a dedicated team to handle either type of emergency. But there's a catch.
Chief Roger Schwab said "The equipment necessary to mitigate 'haz-mat' incidents outstrips our current resources to respond."
The fire chief proposed buying a used ambulance with an eye toward retrofitting it for use as a haz-mat operations vehicle.
The FD's current budget allows $4,500 for a haz-mat vehicle, but that's not enough even for a used ambulance. Schwab said he had to pass up a deal on a $5,000 used ambulance, but spotted another for $8,500.
In order to pay for it, he suggested selling elderly fire engine No. 117 for $7,500, ancient engine No. 16 for $1,000, and a 1977 Dodge truck for $1,500. That would mean $10,000 for the haz-mat vehicle and retrofitting.
The council generally like Schwab's ideas, but drew the line at disposing of old fire engine No. 16.
The 1952 Seagraves is only valued at $1,000. It's being kept at a local winery where it's safe and comfy. And the city council just couldn't bear to depart with the old fire truck.
Councilman Chad Werkhoven said "I like fire engines. Is there the possibility it could have historical value some day?"
He suggested $1,000 could be found in another part of the city budget to make up for keeping the old Seagraves.
- "I sure wouldn't lose any sleep over that (decision)," said Schwab. It's a great deal. It has sentimental value. It was bought by Fire Chief Mike Pilot."
Someone mentioned Sunnyside's oldest engine No. 1, bought in the 20s, is being used in Mabton. But the city would have to buy that one back, and sentiment goes just so far. So the council decided to keep the Seagraves and call it good.
They approved a resolution to sell the other stuff, with the proviso the Seagraves would remain at the winery. Besides that, the winery is leasing the old engine from the city, anyway.
- In other business, the council:
Discussed changing the municipal noise variance code, and discussed another noise variance for Snipes Mountain Brewery. Snipes asked for a July 17 variance to allow the business to host a 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. outdoor party. The council earlier wrote a letter to Snipes telling owners the city intended to cap off such outdoors events at 10 p.m., and they stuck with their letter last night. The outdoors part of the Snipes party must end at 10 p.m.
Acknowledged a notice of "intent to annex" from Tom and Valerie Biehl and Harold and Lucille Apol for properties at 609 Bagley Rd. south of Beckner Alley. Included are three parcels totaling 2.56 acres. The council set July 20 for a public hearing to discuss it. No plans for the property were listed in the notice.
Approved renewing liquor licenses for the Eagles, 100 E. South Hill Rd.; Golden Pheasant, 632 E. Edison Ave.; Snipes Mtn. Brewery, 905 Yakima Valley Hwy.; Save-on-Foods, 615 Yakima Valley Hwy.; and Taqueria LaFogata Restaurant, 1204 Yakima Valley Hwy.
Approved buying a new trailer-mounted air compressor for the Public Works Dept. at a low bid of $11,348 from Air Pro Equipment of Sea-Tac, Wash. The council complimented Public Works Dir. Gary Potter for the memo of explanation. "Ken (Ott) did it all. I'll hear about that tomorrow," Potter said with a grin.
Approved declaring numerous equipment items as surplus and authorized its sale via sealed bid or junking. Included are pumps, electric motors, tanks, pipe, boilers and other items used in the water or sewer departments. Call 837-5206 for more info.
Approved Eagle Scout Joshua Yarber's $1,700 project to light the existing sign at Sunnyside's west entrance near the Law and Justice Center. Josh and scouts will seek donations to defray costs. He also has contractors lined up to install solar panels that will power the lights.
Approved Mayor Ed Prilucik's appointment of Waylon J. Funk, Patricia A. Lepe, Stephen V. Maltos, and Gerald S. Parish to sit on the city's Parks and Recreation Commission.