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City of Lincoln
Lincoln City Council Reviews New Fire Engine Purchase, Advances
Multiple Items
[January 15, 2026]
All of the Lincoln City Council
was present for the Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday evening,
Jan. 13, at City Hall to swear in newly promoted fire department
officers and review several major items expected to advance to the
regular council agenda, including the purchase of a new fire engine,
demolition of a long-problematic property, updates to historic
district boundaries, and infrastructure investments.
The meeting opened with the oath of office for four Lincoln Fire
Department personnel. Chris Harding was sworn in as Deputy Fire
Chief, Todd Koehler as Assistant Fire Chief, James Reed as Captain,
and Chad Kern as Lieutenant. Mayor Tracy Welch congratulated each
officer following their oaths, telling the group, “Congratulations
to everybody sworn in.”
Council members then heard a detailed presentation regarding the
proposed purchase of a new fire engine. Fire Chief Ty Johnson
explained that the department currently has two older engines, one
approximately 25 years old and the other about 15 years old, with
maintenance costs continuing to rise as the vehicles age. “We’re
running over 3,000 calls a year,” Johnson said, adding that the
department began exploring replacement options in spring 2025 in an
effort to lock in pricing as apparatus costs increase.
The proposed vehicle is a rescue
engine manufactured by E-One and sold through Banner Fire Equipment.
Firefighter Kyle Patridge, who served on the engine committee,
explained that the rescue engine would replace the department’s
oldest unit and provide additional storage for extrication equipment
while still functioning as a full fire engine. “It essentially has
all the extrication equipment,” Patridge said. “It’ll still be able
to act as a full fire engine at a house fire, but it’ll also have
all the equipment for extrication for a car wreck.”
Johnson said the department has already spent approximately “$75,000
on maintenance just in this fiscal year” across the fleet, noting
that a newer engine would reduce reliability issues. He added that
the engine being replaced would be kept in reserve to ensure
coverage when other vehicles are out of service.
City Treasurer Chuck Conzo discussed financing options, noting that
the city’s most recent ladder truck purchase was completed using a
seven-year loan that was paid off in December 2025. Conzo explained
that the manufacturer offers a rebate program providing a 4.5
percent credit on funds paid toward the engine prior to delivery.
“We’re not making money, but we’re discounting the right purchase
price,” Conzo said, adding that timing the loan carefully could help
offset costs.
Council members discussed separating authorization of the purchase
from final loan approval to allow flexibility as interest rates
change. Mayor Welch asked whether the city could begin planning
ahead financially, asking, “Can we start budgeting for this and
setting money aside to offset the cost?” The item was directed to
the regular council agenda.
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Building and
Zoning Officer Wes Woodhall then presented plans for the
demolition of a deteriorated property at 224 Willamette Ave.
Woodhall described the structure as an ongoing safety concern.
“It’s been an eyesore for some time,” he said, adding that the
neighboring property is now at risk due to dangerous trees. “It
needs to go away — the house and the trees,” Woodhall told
council members. He recommended awarding the demolition work to
Burns Excavating at a cost of $5,995. The item was advanced to
the regular agenda.
Council next reviewed a resolution
recognizing Catholic Schools Week, scheduled for Jan. 26–30, 2026.
The resolution recognizes the contributions of Catholic schools and
educators in the community and will be presented at a future
ceremony.
Lincoln Director of Tourism Scott McCoy then addressed an ordinance
establishing official historic district boundaries. McCoy explained
that while a historic district has long been understood to exist, a
formally adopted map could not be located. “It looks like the map
was never adopted by the city council,” McCoy said, describing the
proposal as an effort to “set the record straight.” The ordinance
would clarify boundaries and remove primarily residential properties
from the district to avoid unnecessary regulation. The item was
placed on the regular agenda.
Wastewater Project Manager Andrew Bowns presented two items related
to city utilities. The first involved replacing heaters at the
influent pumping station due to corrosion caused by methane and
hydrogen sulfide exposure. The total project cost, including a
buffer, is $23,132.97. Bowns then introduced an MRO savings program
through USA Blue Book, which would offer discounted pricing on
commonly used supplies.
During announcements, council members discussed upcoming road
projects, including Fifth Street and Tremont Street, with city
officials anticipating construction to span multiple seasons. Mayor
Welch also referenced a recent “Coffee with the Mayor” event, noting
it was “a good turnout” and that additional sessions are planned.
The council entered executive session to discuss a public office
appointment and litigation before returning to regular session. Upon
returning, Mayor Welch announced plans to place the
advice-and-consent appointment of Tim Becke to fill the Ward 2
vacancy on the next council agenda. The meeting adjourned at 7:39
p.m.
[Sophia Larimore]
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