Rush City Council ready to purchase thermal imaging camera

By MaryHelen Swanson
Rush City Fire Chief Bob Carlson has received verbal commitments from several organizations pledging $17,500 toward the purchase of the demo model of the thermal imaging camera that will be useful to the fire department.

With the city councilís blessing, the camera will be purchased right away and should be in Rush City some time next week.

The financial commitments are as follows:
$3,000 - East Central Energy
$3,000 - Rush City Jaycees
$3,000 - Rush City Lions
$3,000 - Rock Creek Lions
$3,000 - First State Bank of
Rush City
$500 - Rush City VFW

Chief Carlson did receive the required second quote which was higher than $17,500.

The new camera will be here and ready for a training house burn scheduled for Feb. 16 along Government Road.

Carlson invited the council members to attend the burn and see how the camera works.

Chief Carlson also apprised the council of the election of new officers for 2002.

The council approved the following:
Bob Behrendt - 2nd Asst. Chief
Kevin Carlson - Captain
Chris Nelson - sec/treasurer (remains)

Carlson also informed the council that the department has received a $3,000 grant which will be matched with $3,000 of city funds. The grant will be used to purchase new radios, a cascade system and foam unit, or as many of these items that can be purchased.

Carlson also told the council he was applying for a FEMA grant. FEMA has $360 million for grants this year in four categories. Last year FEMA had $100 million in three categories. Rush Cityís fire department applied last year but did not receive a grant.

North Branch and Grantsburg departments were among 41 across the nation that received grants last year.
Carlson also asked for reimbursement of $192 for Fire Prevention Poster Contest prizes he paid out of his pocket.

City Administrator Daniel Hoffman explained that city money cannot be used to pay cash prizes. As no one had an answer as to how this situation could be solved, it was directed to city attorney Joe Anderson who was not present at the meeting.

The council also:
ï Terminated two liquor store employees;
ï Paid bills in the amount of $168,957.89; and
ï Discussed the value of retaining the ATM machine at the municipal liquor store and bar.

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