McGregor pledge would help fire department replace oldest truck
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
The city of McGregor has pledged $25,000—on top of the regular allocation—in its next fiscal year budget toward the purchase of a fire truck for McGregor Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1. Fire chief Tom Sauer, speaking at the council’s Dec. 15 meeting, said the city of Marquette and Mendon Township have also made similar assurances.
The truck would replace what the fire department calls “Big Red,” a 1982 Ford that is considered a pumper.
“It’s our oldest truck,” said Sauer. “It’s a manual, two-speed transmission. Not all our new people can run it, and only a select few can run it right.”
The truck has also become a huge safety concern, he added. The brakes were recently repaired after going out during a fire call.
“When you go to a fire, the last thing you want to think about is if you’re in danger driving the truck,” said department foreman Ryan Bacon. “Guys want to think about what they’re going to do when they get to the fire.”
A newer, similar truck with a larger cab would run around $330,000, according to McGregor Hook and Ladder.
“Every year we do a fund drive and we do a few benefits, and we’re pretty successful at all of it. And we have money put aside for a truck every year, but those funds are just not meeting what we need,” Sauer said. “What we’re asking for from all three entities is $25,000 each.”
“It’s a lot to ask for, but that truck is going to go down one of these days and it’s not going to get back up. I’m sure, if we had someone come in and inspect that truck, it would not pass,” he continued.
In July, the new allotment into the truck replacement fund would bring that total to a little over $120,000. Secretary/treasurer Tom Luber said the fire department also plans to kick in $20,000. But even with $25,000 contributions from Marquette, McGregor and Mendon Township, McGregor Hook and Ladder would only have around $200,000—over $100,000 short of its goal.
He added the department had hoped to apply for a grant through the Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation but has been twice denied during the pre-application process.
“We were denied the first round. We couldn’t even write for a grant,” Luber said.
It’s frustrating for the fire department, which provides fire protection to both the UMGC offices and casino.
“I understand one of the reasons they turned down the truck is they don’t want to get into a situation where all the towns are asking for a truck,” mentioned McGregor mayor Lyle Troester. “Everyone appreciates what you and the rescue squad do.”
The firefighters were appreciative of the city’s support, noting that contributions are a step toward ordering a truck.
“We just need a commitment to get the ball rolling,” said Bacon.
Halvorson recognized
Mayor Troester and the council recognized long-time council member Rogeta Halvorson at what was her last meeting. Halvorson has served 14 years and chose not to seek re-election in November. “You’re on the council because you care about the community, and you’ve been a wonderful representative of McGregor,” Troester said.
In addition, the oath of office was administered to Troester, council members Janet Hallberg, Charles Carroll and Mel Wild and city administrator/clerk Lynette McManus.
Public hearing set for zoning change
The council set a public hearing date for its Jan. 19 meeting to consider re-zoning a portion of the Tanglewood Addition near Turner Park from R-2 single family residential to R-4 mixed residential-vacation rental. The city’s planning and zoning commission made the recommendation, which would permit construction of mini tourist cabins in the area.
