[Sandy and Ed]

Agree but nonetheless commercial properties should be levied an impact fee since their presence does impact on our infrastructure and services. Those fees would be buried in their cost of doing business

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

In the 3/24 paper, page C3, is an article about the new fire truck that Villages Public Safety has purchased. Its key feature is a ladder that will reach a 10 story building, like the Brownwood Hotel. Its cost, about $1 million.

No wonder our annual fire assessment has to increase. I do not begrudge the firefighters a fair wage, but no houses are 10 stories tall, only businesses.

That's a good reason for a public safety impact fee on commercial property.

Im sure the FD works mutual aid with surrounding areas AND we dont protect businesses.???? You brush off a possible business fire as no big deal. Would be a big deal if you were conducting business in it at the time. And a ladder truck is a major asset to protecting the firefighters and making their tough job a little easier!

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Scbang

I've just received a notice that they will increase fire protection assessment maximum from $125 to $360. Haven't you?

No, read the notice again. Youre putting your own spin on it!

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Scbang

I've just received a notice that they will increase fire protection assessment maximum from $125 to $360. Haven't you?

Originally Posted by DLJ1657

They did not say it is increasing. They held the required hearing for public comment because there is consideration being given to raise the ceiling of the assessment.

Thank you. You are exactly correct I like the way everyone doesnt actually READ the notices and immediately jumps to conclusions

[Dilligas]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

In the 3/24 paper, page C3, is an article about the new fire truck that Villages Public Safety has purchased. Its key feature is a ladder that will reach a 10 story building, like the Brownwood Hotel. Its cost, about $1 million.

No wonder our annual fire assessment has to increase. I do not begrudge the firefighters a fair wage, but no houses are 10 stories tall, only businesses.

That's a good reason for a public safety impact fee on commercial property.

Impact fees are not used for wages or equipment, only roads and infrastructure. I’m sure you’re made the same gripe when they bought their current 75’ ladder truck. With 130,000 people and potentially 250,000 in the future, TVFD must be prepared. TVFD is one of the best, with very rapid response time to all emergencies. You will be more grateful when you need them.

[noslices1]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

In the 3/24 paper, page C3, is an article about the new fire truck that Villages Public Safety has purchased. Its key feature is a ladder that will reach a 10 story building, like the Brownwood Hotel. Its cost, about $1 million.

No wonder our annual fire assessment has to increase. I do not begrudge the firefighters a fair wage, but no houses are 10 stories tall, only businesses.

That's a good reason for a public safety impact fee on commercial property.

There will be more apartment buildings in the Villages in the future. Who’s to say they won’t be 10 stories tall at this point?

[bluecenturian]

I really wish people would get informed and have some facts before they run off at the mouth with negativity.

The ladder doesn’t reach 10 stories. That was bluster. It realistically is 7 stories.

100 feet is standard in ladder trucks. They are not made custom. You can not get a 50 foot ladder.

It’s also not about the height. If the truck can not be put directly next to the building then the length is increased due to the reach from being farther out.

I don’t know with certainty about the state of Florida however, other states won’t allow a building to be built over 3 stories if the fire department does not have the ability to reach above that. Although the department already has 2 ladder trucks, they must be replaced at regular intervals. You can not buy a fire truck and think it will last 30 years, at least not in a respectable agency. I do not know the age of the other trucks but considering the time the department has been operating and the ever great expansion it is a very realistic possibility it was time to upgrade c

$1 million is on the cheaper side for a fire truck, especially a ladder. They could have and should have purchased a Tower Ladder which has a bucket because you are not getting most people especially elderly to climb down that ladder however, Tower Ladders will cost $1.5 million on the cheap end. We know how much crying and complaining that would cause.

The departments ISO rating will apparently increase. This is what insurance companies base their rates off of. So if the ISO rating increases your home owners insurance should decrease for at least not increase.

Unless you have been in the fire service or have a background in Risk Assessment you should ask people with better information then just starting off complaining about it with your armchair quarterback knowledge.

[dlebuis]

I want the best fire service and equipment that’s available. I hope I never need them but it’s like insurance, you want the assurance that you’ll be taken care of if something happens.

[stargirl]

How about investing in a few more ambulances? Seems we have way more medical emergencies than fires.

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by bluecenturian

I really wish people would get informed and have some facts before they run off at the mouth with negativity.

The ladder doesn’t reach 10 stories. That was bluster. It realistically is 7 stories.

100 feet is standard in ladder trucks. They are not made custom. You can not get a 50 foot ladder.

It’s also not about the height. If the truck can not be put directly next to the building then the length is increased due to the reach from being farther out.

I don’t know with certainty about the state of Florida however, other states won’t allow a building to be built over 3 stories if the fire department does not have the ability to reach above that. Although the department already has 2 ladder trucks, they must be replaced at regular intervals. You can not buy a fire truck and think it will last 30 years, at least not in a respectable agency. I do not know the age of the other trucks but considering the time the department has been operating and the ever great expansion it is a very realistic possibility it was time to upgrade c

$1 million is on the cheaper side for a fire truck, especially a ladder. They could have and should have purchased a Tower Ladder which has a bucket because you are not getting most people especially elderly to climb down that ladder however, Tower Ladders will cost $1.5 million on the cheap end. We know how much crying and complaining that would cause.

The departments ISO rating will apparently increase. This is what insurance companies base their rates off of. So if the ISO rating increases your home owners insurance should decrease for at least not increase.

Unless you have been in the fire service or have a background in Risk Assessment you should ask people with better information then just starting off complaining about it with your armchair quarterback knowledge.

[jabacon6669]

Some good positive reasons for needing a ladder truck, or even a tower ladder. Reach is one good reason, If you have a 4 - 5 story building. ground ladders will not reach these. With setback, 100' will be used up quickly. Ladders generally come 75', 85', 100', or now some I believe are 110'. Cost difference is not much from a 75' - 100' just adding another fly section, from 3 - 4 sections. They do much more than just reach. Keep in mind at a busy scene, once in place, they generally don't move. They are necessary in ventilation operations, rescue operations, they carry most of your heavy rescue equipment. And believe it or not they reduce your fire insurance. Let's not bash the FD or their equipment. Ladder trucks are an essential part of any fire service. When you need them, they'll come.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by jabacon6669

Let's not bash the FD or their equipment. Ladder trucks are an essential part of any fire service. When you need them, they'll come.

& they are cool in parades.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by skip0358

First off the ladder usually sets up outside the collapse zone. Also IF there are cars, lawns, bushes, dumpster etc. they have to stay away from those items so the ladder can operate. It has a 100 ft. reach at an angle. Hospitals, multi story apartments and commercial building require longer reach. Even a house with a 25 to 30 front yard plus the vehicle set up with jacks or outriggers can require the longer ladder reach. Stop by someday they'll be more then happy to explain the operation to you.

Sadly, people just like to complain. You do not even need to know anything about any subject to complain.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

& they are cool in parades.

yes, there is that, too

[Bilyclub]

Do they have a Snorkel Truck here?