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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - July 5, 2000 D-03dCITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION AGENDA TITLE: Donation of an Antique "City of Lodi" Fire Engine by Dr. Bill Kirby MEETING DATE: July 5, 2000 PREPARED BY: Chief James Inman RECOMMENDED ACTION: Presentation BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Dr. Bill Kirby of Auburn has donated an antique fire engine to the City Of Lodi. The good doctor prefers that we call him Bill. This engine is a former City of Lodi engine that was originally purchased by the city in 1921. The engine and chassis have been mechanically restored, but the restoration remains to be completed. There is much work left to do. The engine was in service, in Lodi, until the late 1940's when it was replaced by an American La France pumper. The history of the engine is unclear after that time, but when Dr. Kirby purchased it in the mid 1990's he was told that the engine had been driven under its own power to its resting -place in an Applegate Junkyard. It is probable that it went from Lodi straight to that junkyard. Dr. Kirby has spent hundreds if not thousands of hours (not to mention over $30,000 dollars) to restore the motor and chassis. The body work, repair and fit -up of miscellaneous parts and final assembly are left to be done. The work can be described in a single sentence, but it is considerable. To be realistic, proper restoration could span five or more years. The Department is pursuing commitments from local service clubs to assist in the completion of the restoration. In comparing this antique engine with today's fire apparatus gives one a sense of how far technology has brought us and how much change has occurred in this community within the span of a human lifetime. Along with the restoration of the railroad station and the renovation of "Downtown", this engine will serve to compliment and contribute to the small town flavor that we all love about Lodi. Can't you just see it parked at the railroad station in gleaming restored condition, or chugging down the various tree lined and brick -paved streets of our city? Perhaps it will grace the lobby of our proposed public safety building? APPROVED' H. Dixon Flynn -- City M nager CITY OF LODI, COUNCIL COMMUNICATION Antique Fire Engine July 5, 2000 Page 2 Whatever its future, it is one of this communities ties to the past, and as such, is worthy of recognition as a local treasure. We thank Dr. Kirby for his generosity and for his contribution to preserving the history of our beloved City. This donation gives us another opportunity to pass on to future generations the flavor and charm that this community has to share with visitors and Lodians alike. The Department and City would like to thank Bill Kirby for this contribution that present and future citizens of Lodi will surely cherish and admire. SK/lh Scott W. Kenley Fire Chief Q:\Admin\COUNCILkCComO7O5.00.dot Vintage fire engine comes home to Lodi Record photo by MICHAEL McCOLLUM1 Bill Kirby of Auburn shows the original license in a junkyard. The department originally pur plate Friday for the fire engine he gave to the chased the truck in 1921. Officials are seeking*'.!,!:', Lodi Fire Department after he found the vehicle enthusiastic volunteers to help restore it.