Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 6, 1993                   TAG: 9305060435
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VINTON OKS PURCHASE OF NEW LADDER TRUCK

Town Council voted Tuesday to buy a new truck to replace the town's only ladder truck, which was taken out of service in January 1991 because of a manufacturing defect.

"This has been an issue for more than two years. . . . We've been hounding and pounding - the press has. It's time to do something," said Councilman Don Davis in his motion to approve the purchase.

Vinton and Roanoke County are seeking damages from manufacturers of the defective truck, but the case has been complicated, because most of the manufacturers, scattered in locations across the country, have gone out of business.

Vinton Town Attorney Buck Heartwell said a late summer trial date is expected.

Vinton and Roanoke County, which own the defective truck jointly, will contribute equally to the $140,820 price of the new truck.

The county Board of Supervisors is expected to approve its portion of the cost at its next meeting, said Vinton Mayor Charles Hill.

Vinton's share will be paid from bond proceeds that Town Manager Clay Goodman said are earmarked for the truck.

"This is a lot of money, but it has been well thought out," said Goodman.

Vinton fire personnel have appealed to council to acquire a safe ladder truck since the existing truck was taken out of service. Although backup has been available from the county - and in some cases the city of Roanoke - Vinton usually is isolated during flooding.

Fire Chief Barry Fuqua has said the town's ladder truck historically has been used as much for flood rescue as for firefighting.

Hill said the disposition of the existing truck will be determined after the legal issues surrounding it are settled.

"I'm glad this issue is behind us," he said.

Fuqua, who has spent numerous hours researching and documenting possible solutions for replacing or repairing the defective truck, was on vacation at the time council approved the acquisition of the new truck.

But Capt. Gary Houff spoke on his behalf: "I think it is time this came to an end."

In other action:

Council welcomed students from William Byrd High School who participated in Student Government Day. The students spent the day observing activities of various town departments.

Council held a budget work session after the regular council meeting.