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

Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Student initiatives shake up Homecoming
The poster promoting the Homecoming dance boasted the event would feature dancing, games and a bonfire. Reactions to the planned move outside were mixed, with some students excited about the changes and others expressing a desire for tradition.
Provided

The weekend of Homecoming at HVRHS was packed with events including rival games under the lights, senior night, and a new take on Homecoming that moves it outside — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students of Housatonic.

Orchestrating was no easy feat, especially considering much of the work was left up to the students.

Keep ReadingShow less