Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Emmet outfitting second firetruck, buys new sewer pumps

Outfitting an additional fire truck for the local volunteer fire department, and purchase of new sewer pumps were among the top topics of discussion for the Emmet City Council during its Feb. 12 meeting.

Emmet Mayor Dale Booker told the council the volunteer fire department purchased a 1995 Mack truck. Its plan is to use the truck as the main fire truck and to refurbish the department's old truck as a water tanker, he said.

The council unanimously voted to help with the cost of outfitting the new truck, including the lights. Booker estimated the cost to be about $1,500 to $2,000.

"Their truck is about as much benefit to us here in town as our truck is," Booker said. He said most house fires require the presence of both trucks.

Having a newer, more dependable truck and a water tanker for backup could help boost the city's ISO rating, Booker said.

ISO is a nationally-recognized method of rating cities in various categories, including their potential ability to fight fires. Ratings are given by a national company based on specific information about a fire department, including the number of trained volunteers, water availability and equipment.

There have been recent controversies about the system as some insurance companies announced plans to ignore the ISO ratings given to a city, depending on information from their own databases instead.

The council also approved the purchase of a slide projector for the fire department. Booker said the projector would be used for training.

"We're more willing and ready now for training than we've ever been," Booker said. He commended those involved with the fire departments for their dedication and for the recent training the firefighters have scheduled.

On the subject of the city's sewer system, Booker said the city has purchased two new sewer pumps at a cost the city $6,000. A third pump in the city is having problems, Booker said that pump was rebuilt just over a year ago, but it is now out of warranty. Booker has had someone look at the pump, but they recommended that the pump not be repaired.

On the subject of the city's sewer system, Booker said the city is conducting a house-to-house inspection, searching for leaks in the sewer system.

The problem, Booker said, is there is an excessive amount of rainwater flowing into the city's system every time it rains.

Booker said there have been several broken clean-out valves discovered and said these are collecting rainwater.

The water puts additional strain on the entire system, including the pumps, and causes the sewer ponds to fill quickly, Booker said.

Leaves, limbs and other debris also collects in the broken pipes, he said. If the city workers discover a broken valve on private property, they contact the property owner and request the repair be made as soon as possible.

In other business, the council heard a report from Booker regarding new street signs. He said the signs the council had initially agreed to post had cost less than was originally estimated. He asked the council to allow him to purchase additional street signs, speed limit signs and "children at play" signs.

Several council members said they are concerned about the people who speed through the city's main street, especially when there are many children who ride bicycles and play in the area.

Booker said installing the speed limit signs would give police more authority to arrest someone who is driving too fast. The council agreed to continue purchasing the signs.

Patching city streets is an ongoing project, Booker said.

He said the biggest problem facing the city now is that El Dorado is the closest supplier of asphalt for the work.

Booker told the council that the renovations to the city hall building are nearing completion. He said there is now a new roof over the entire building.

"Hopefully, we won't have to worry about leaks anytime soon," he said.

As the council meeting was about to close, the discussion turned to a recent announcement by the Emmet School District that the Federal Office of Emergency Management has approved a grant to build a large above ground tornado shelter.

The shelter is reportedly large enough to accommodate the entire enrollment of the school, and will have room for members of the community as well, in the event of a tornado. The building will also be used as classrooms for the school.