Fire Club, Antique, cease existence
MEMORANDUM
March 28, 2005
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TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
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FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Antique Fire Club
In 1994 a local group formed the Dubuque Antique Fire Club. The Club now desires to
cease existence. They currently own a 1948 Seagrave Tiller fire truck and a 1969
American LaFrance fire engine that formerly belonged to the City of Dubuque.
Fire Chief Dan Brown recommends that Mr. Weitz be allowed to dispose of the 1969
American LaFrance Pumper because it does not present any real value to the Fire
Department. Chief Brown requests City Council approval to look into the possibility of
restoration and funding of the 1948 Seagrave Tiller fire truck. This vehicle could be a
real asset to Dubuque's history as it is possible that this is the only truck of its type in
existence in the country.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
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MiCfiael C. Van Milligen --
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
E. Daniel Brown, Fire Chief
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
March 25, 2005
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: E. Daniel Brown, Fire Chief Z- P J;.
SUBJECT: Antique Fire Club
In 1994 a local group formed the Dubuque Antique Fire Club. This club consisted of
approximately 30 members. They had purchased a 1963 FWD Pumper that was
formally owned by the City of Dubuque. Their purpose was to keep this piece of
equipment in operating condition and make efforts to restore it. They used it in parades,
festivals and other ceremonial events.
In 1992 the City Council voted to sell a 1948 Seagrave Tiller fire truck to the Dubuque
County Historical Society. There was a small group working with them and their intent
was to restore this truck. This truck is a 100 foot Arialladder; it also has a steering
position in the rear for maneuvering and is approximately 50 feet long. The Historical
Society at the time was the only one that had sufficient space to store it indoors. Due to
expansion of the museum and storage space issues the Historical Society agreed to
transfer ownership of the 1948 Seagrave to the Antique Fire Club with City Council
approval in 1994.
In 1995 the Antique Fire Club purchased another retired fire engine from the city for
$1.00. This was a 1969 American LaFrance. This was approved with the following
stipulations; they were to store it indoors, maintain it and make efforts to restore it, make
it available for parades, festivals and other ceremonial events, and return it to the city if
they did not meet any of these conditions, ceased to exist or wanted to no longer own it.
The Antique Fire Club has not been able restore this piece of equipment and it has
deteriorated significantly and they now wish to dispose of it. This pumper does not have
any practical worth and they do have an individual in Coralville that would be interested
in taking it and using it for parts for restoring old fire trucks.
The 1948 Seagrave Tiller fire truck is currently stored in a shed on a farm south of
Dubuque. I have spoken with Jim Weitz from the Antique Fire Club about it and I am
currently looking into the possibility of restoration and funding.
I would recommend that Mr. Weitz be allowed to dispose of the 1969 American
LaFrance Pumper because it does not present any real value to the Fire Department
and we'll continue to look for an answer for the 1948 Seagrave Tiller fire truck. I believe
that this vehicle can be restored to its original condition and be housed indoors. It could
be a real asset to Dubuque's history. It is quit possible that this could be the only truck
of its type in existence in the country.
EDS/jl
City Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 phone
(563) 589-4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
THE CITY OF ('~
0_- ._-~~--
. UBUQuE
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March 31,2005
Mr. Jim Weitz
Dubuque Antique Fire Club
4168 Peru Road
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Jim,
Pursuant to our conversation, you indicated that the Dubuque Antique Fire Club desires
to cease existence and you inquired about the City's interest in the 1969 American
LaFrance fire engine.
Fire Chief Dan Brown has indicated that this vehicle has no usefulness to the City and is
deteriorated significantly. He recommends that the City has no interest in having this
unit returned and you may take whatever measures necessary to dispose of it.
The other issue is the 1948 Seagrave 100 foot aerial ladder truck. At this time we will
be further investigating the cost and feasibility of having this unit refurbished or restored
and any partners who might be available for that type of project. The Fire Chief
indicated that in his conversation with you, the truck can remain in its current storage
place until an outcome can be determined.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:jh
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Dan Brown, Fire Chief
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