By Stephen J. Novak
The Eastern Express-Times
HACKETTSTOWN, Pa. — Town council agreed Monday to settle a lawsuit with the manufacturer of a fire truck that proved to be defective.
Officials voted unanimously to accept the settlement, which provides for repairs to the 100-foot ladder truck purchased by Hackettstown in 2005, following a closed-door session during Monday night’s council meeting.
“The fire department’s happy so we’re happy,” Mayor Michael Lavery said following the vote. He credited the department and town officials for time spent working toward an agreement with Absolute Fire Protection Co., of South Plainfield, N.J.
The company did not return a call for comment Tuesday.
Hackettstown filed suit against Absolute last September, about four months after the truck — known as a Bronto Skylift — was taken out of service.
Absolute worked with two other companies, Florida-based Emergency One and Illinois-based Federal Signal Corp., to build the $844,000 vehicle following a bid in 2004.
According to the lawsuit, deficiencies in the truck’s systems became apparent within the first month of ownership. The truck suffered from a bevy of malfunctions, including multiple leaks through doors and equipment, faulty electrical systems and outriggers — stabilizing arms used to steady a stationary truck — deploying while driving.
The lawsuit claimed that the problems represented a breach of contract and sought damages and costs of repairs and replacement.
Lavery said the company must still agree to the settlement before it is made official.
“I think that’s the best settlement we’re going to get,” he said.
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