No new actions were taken at the Feb. 8 meeting of the County Service Area 38 (Pine Cove) Advisory Committee.
The committee did review the status of several proposed acquisitions and projects — purchase of a wood chipper and masticator, the Type 6 engine, and constructing the shade cover and deck for Station 23.
Michael Franklin, principal development specialist for the Community Services Division in the county’s Economic Development Agency, said he is working with the county purchasing department to acquire the chipper.
He believes a request for bids will be issued before March. Riverside County Fire Division Chief Bill Weiser had some estimates for the cost of the chipper, and Franklin said these and other specifications were incorporated into the request for bids.
The purchase of the masticator, although it is estimated to cost less, will follow the chipper’s acquisition. Committee member Marge Muir confirmed that a process for using this equipment will be developed and implemented.
The new Type 6 engine being purchased for Pine Cove is moving forward, according to Cal Fire Mountain Battalion Chief Chris Carrera. Committee President Jerry Holldber said he was told the engine might be available by the end of February, but may need to be equipped.
A committee, created to make recommendations on the future use of Squad 23 when the Type 6 engine is ready for use, has not met yet. Several members were planning to visit the station after the advisory committee meeting.
The shade cover for the fuel area behind the station on the Pine Cove Water District property is moving forward. Franklin expects that PCWD will manage this project and costs will be shared. However, he cautioned that before construction begins, an agreement between PCWD and CSA 38 may need the approval of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
“This is just one way to move forward, but it is likely to be more cost-efficient,” he stated.
The project to cover for the station’s deck from direct sun will be managed by the EDA project management office, according to Franklin. “It’s a separate project and close to construction start.”
At the beginning of the meeting, the committee reviewed its financial report through the end of November 2016. At that time, CSA 38 had $730,000, but none of these projects or purchases had been completed.
In response to Muir’s question, Franklin said the committee could be working on the fiscal year 2017-18 budget in March or April. At that point, a more current cash total would likely be available.
