Cornwall rejects firetruck proposal

CORNWALL — After receiving only one bid back for a custom-designed firetruck, the Board of Selectman have opted to go back to square one.

The proposal from Alexis Fire Equipment Company in Illinois came in about $120,000 over budget and included potential surcharges.

Several other manufacturers responded to the bid request stating they were unable to meet the specifications set forth by the truck committee.

“It’s disappointing but I think we’re sort of in a situation that we don’t have much choice at this point,” said First Selectman Gordon Ridgway at a meeting of the BOS June 2. “It’s back to the fire department at this point to try to wrestle with their priorities.”

“I think we should put this back out to bid after revising the spec. Alexis tends to be one of the most expensive vendors in this arena,” said Selectman Rocco Botto, adding that the surcharges would likely put the cost even higher over budget.

Ridgway reported there is about $640,000 in the town truck fund. It is the hope of BOS that a revised spec list will bring in more qualified bidders.

Latest News

Wake Robin public hearing closes

Aradev LLC’s plans to redevelop Wake Robin Inn include four 2,000-square-foot cabins, an event space, a sit-down restaurant and fast-casual counter, a spa, library, lounge, gym and seasonal pool. If approved, guest room numbers would increase from 38 to 57.

Provided

LAKEVILLE — The public hearing for the redevelopment of Wake Robin Inn is over. Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission now has two months to make a decision.

The hearing closed on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after its seventh session.

Keep ReadingShow less
Judith Marie Drury

COPAKE — Judith Marie “Judy” Drury, 76, a four-year resident of Copake, New York, formerly of Millerton, New York, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, surrounded by her loving family and her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Judy worked as a therapy aide for Taconic DDSO in Wassaic, New York, prior to her retirement on Feb. 1, 2004. She then went on to work in the Housekeeping Department at Vassar Bros. Medical Center for several years.

Born Jan. 2, 1949, in Richford, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Leo J. and Marie A. (Bean) Martel. She attended Roeliff Jansen Central School in Columbia County, New York, in her early years. Judy was an avid sports fan and she was particularly fond of the New England Patriots football team and the New York Rangers hockey team. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling to Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania for many years. She was a longtime parishioner of Faith Bible Chapel of Shekomeko on Silver Mountain in Millerton as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Dakin

AMESVILLE — Jeremy Dakin, 78, passed away Aug. 31, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a long battle with COPD and other ailments.

Jeremy was a dear friend to many, and a fixture of the Amesville community. There will be a service in his memory at Trinity Lime Rock Episcopal Church on Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.

Keep ReadingShow less