Chelsea council rejects bids for rescue unit refurbishing

Chelsea City Council rejected three bids for the work required to refurbish a rescue unit vehicle.

The city approved a bid for a new chassis to go on an older body at its March 2 meeting, and the bids which were rejected at the April 19 meeting were for the work to connect the chassis to the truck body.

Two of the bids, from Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus and Custom Works, were declared as non-responsive. These bids failed to meet the requirements of a bidding process.

The single responsive bid from Peach State was also rejected. Chelsea Fire and Rescue Chief Wayne Shirley said they recommended rejecting the bid and working to negotiate to a lower cost.

“We believe we can get the price down a little lower,” Shirley said.

The declaration also stated that Mayor Earl Niven would be authorized to negotiate with Peach State for a new price. That new price could not exceed the company’s current bid.

Also at the meeting:

The council unanimously approved the de-annexation of 4.1 acres near the future Chelsea Sports Complex and Highlands Subdivision. The land will be de-annexed into Pelham.

The council approved an ordinance to grant a water franchise to the city of Pelham for the Chelsea Sports Complex water line. Pelham will receive tap fees off the water line and will maintain the water line. Where the water line turns at Grand Slam Drive in the new sports complex will be controlled by the city of Chelsea.

The council approved a resolution for the city’s partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea to help provide “Fire at the Foothills.”

Niven announced the lights on the Chelsea Community Center’s volleyball court will turn off at 10 p.m., and he is looking for a putting green to install at the community center.

The council approved the 2015 Audit Report for the city and voted to pay the city’s bills. 

Shirley reported a Chelsea firefighter helped deliver a baby in Pelham last week. Mark Mayhan, a firefighter and paramedic with the department, responded to a call as part of the mutual aid partnership Chelsea has with other departments, Shirley said. The baby was expected to come home on April 19, and Shirley said the Mayhan plans to visit the family when they are home. A photo of the baby can be seen on the department's Facebook page.