The Hamilton City council convened on Thursday, October 26 for a special meeting to discuss potential application for grant funds to aid in the purchase of a storm siren.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant, under the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, would cover 75% of the purchase of a storm siren should it be awarded to the city.
Two quotes were received one from Eureka’s Emergency Fire and Equipment, a stationary siren and the second from Blue Valley, a rotating siren. It was shared during discussion that purchase through Blue Valley would require some wiring work be conducted. Bids received totaled as follows: Emergency Fire and Equipment $35,487.83 and Federal signal/Blue Valley, $30,876.40.
If members of the council were to proceed and the grant were received, the city would be responsible for roughly $8,500 of the siren purchase.
Members of the council reached a consensus to move forward with the grant application. Final testimonials will be collected from residents reflecting the need for a new siren.
As installation and range of each unit were discussed, it was decided that additional information would be sought from both companies before the city determines which company to proceed with. Among topics to be discussed were the following: Inquiry of cost of a rotating unit through Emergency Fire and Equipment and wiring options through Blue Valley. The grant application will be submitted once council members have selected a company to purchase through.
Councilman Christopher Ray was absent from the meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Hamilton City council will be held Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m.
