Mayor Chuck Burtcher recognized Don Riepe and Byron Berline before the start of Tuesday’s city council meeting. Once business got underway, the council unanimously approved a new ambulance for the Guthrie Fire Department.
Mayor Chuck Burtcher (right) recognizes Don Rippy. Photo Courtesy of City of Guthrie.
The Mayor first honored Rippy, who is the pastor at the Guthrie Christian Church, with a plaque reading “Consistent Prayers From A Wonderful Community”. Riepe has started nearly all council meetings with a prayer in the past six years.
The pastor feels it is important to do and hopes he can get more pastors in the area to be more involved in 2013.
Berline was next to be honored with a plaque that read “Community Involvement Award” for his services. Berline has been an instrumental part in the annual Blue Grass festival and other events in the downtown area.
Council Business
The council approved to purchase a 2013 Dodge 4×4 ambulance from Osage Industries in the amount of $146,000, including a $15,000 credit for the trade-in of a 2008 Ford ambulance.
Mayor Chuck Burtcher (right) recognizes Byron Berline. Photo Courtesy of City of Guthrie.
Fire Chief Eric Harlow in a workshop explained to council members the ’08 ambulance, which is one four ambulances used by the department, has been problematic with motor issues and is drawing near to the warranty expiring. In return with the trade-in, it will allow the city to save from continuous future repairs on the unit.
The current ambulance is currently on its fifth engine block and third turbo charger.
The new ambulance will be equipped with four-wheel drive and will help with rural roads in the county. Harlow hopes to have the new unit in the summer 2013.
The only other action council took was approving to cancel the Jan. 1 meeting due to the federal holiday.
Don’s last name is spelled Riepe.
Thank you J – they misspelled his name on the plaque. That is where I got. I will edit when I can. Thank You!