FIRE STATION
BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING (FSBC)
August 31, 2015
In attendance, in alphabetical order: Fire Chief John Alcaidinho, Trisha McCarthy, Vice Chairman Dennis Moran, Mike Pivero, Jim Ryan, Jim White, Selectmen's Representative Lisa Gonyer. Joe Lingel was excused. Jim Holland and Chairman Dale Putnam were absent. Secretary Barbara White transcribed the minutes.
Vice Chair Moran called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
A letter of resignation from the committee was received from Dale Putnam. Mr. Moran read the letter to the committee. Mrs. McCarthy motioned to accept Mr. Putnam's resignation with regrets; Mr. White seconded.
It was noted Mr. Putnam had been great asset to the committee and also the committee preceding this one; his insight and knowledge will be missed. The committee will send a letter of appreciation.
Mr. Putnam's resignation necessitated the election of a new Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Mr. White nominated Mr. Moran as Chairman; Mrs. McCarthy seconded; the vote was unanimous.
Mrs. McCarthy nominated Mr. Pivero as Vice Chairman; Mr. Ryan seconded; the vote was unanimous.
Committee members had some discussion of how looking at the existing building at the Merrimac Road location had evolved throughout the existence of the two committees. The Building Committee had looked at that particular building as a possible new location for the library. At that time, it had been noted it was not suitable to repurpose as a library for a number of reasons. This Committee now was looking at it with a fresh set of eyes with another purpose in mind, which preliminarily has been reported to be acceptable.
Mr. Ryan asked if they were sure, before going along this path further, that it could be repurposed? Chief Alcaidinho noted the State Building Inspector had conducted a walk-through and said it was able to be repurposed; there has been no independent structural assessment.
The comparison of cost of a new building versus refurbishing the existing 5 bays (and a 30 x 40 addition) at Merrimac Road is $2+ million dollars versus $400,000.
- redo the 5 bays (doors) $10,000
- electrical work (for 5 bays) $10,000
- 4 walls and ceiling (fire-coded sheetrock) $25,000
The existing addition would be removed and a new 2-story addition added. This would make sure everything is up to current code and house a radio room, Officer's Room, Chiefs Office, EMD Office, handicapped accessible restroom with shower, laundry with washing machine (for uniform cleaning),
and a drill room.
The State has also confirmed that the total cost of anything associated with EOC will be matched 50%. This includes TVs, computers, radios.
Chief Alcaidinho reminded the committee that in another year, the end two-bay portion of the building will be available to accommodate future growth.
The old heating system will need to be removed and a new heating system installed at Central Station, but it would be portable and could be moved to Merrimac Road location.
Another consideration is that a cell tower could be installed at 8 Merrimac Road at no expense. The cell tower company would pay for installation and the generator and they would pay rent for the spot.
For the floor in the bays, the one with the lift would be skim-coated and carpet installed.
Estimate of repairs the Central Station:
- redo the apron ($20,000-$25,000)
- replace windows ($3,500)
- replace ceiling lights ($3,000-$4,000)
- heating system - no price yet
- insulation - no price yet
- roof - no price yet
Replacing the ceiling lights could be much higher as no one knows what they will find in the ceiling. The existing flush-mounted lights need to come out and until you get into there, they will not know if there is room in the ceiling for can lights. If there is no room for can lights, the lights would need to hang down 4".
A ballpark estimate for repairs to make the Central Station functional is $40,000 which does not include the heating system, insulation or the roof and it will still be functionally obsolete and not meet ADA standards. In the process of trying to fix up the Central Station, they may find there is asbestos or lead paint, all of which will cost more money. And the water is not potable.
It was discussed that if the Selectmen put forth a warrant article to rehab the 8 Merrimac Road building as a fire station and it fails, the residents will need to know that they will still need to spend at least $80,000 on the Central Station.
If the decision was to refurbish the building at 8 Merrimac Road, the Central Station could be sold and the proceeds could be used towards 8 Merrimac Road, much like they did with the Police Station. And with the State providing 50% of the EOC equipment, that would further lessen the cost.
The Board agreed the Chairman, with the Fire Chief, should present the preliminary findings to the Selectmen tomorrow night. The Chair was not available so the Vice Chair will attend.
It was the consensus of the Board to present the following three choices to the Selectmen:
A) Rehab the central station - $80,000 with unknown contingencies
Up Side Short-term savings |
Down Side
continual functional obsolescence, no showers, no laundry, no ADA compliance, small bay sizes for equipment, roof in 5 years, no grants available |
B) Refurbish the existing metal building at 8 Merrimac Road - $400,000 +
Up Side
Sale of Central Station could be used towards cost Heating system in Central Station can be moved to Merrimac Rd There may be available grants EOC costs reimbursed @ 50% |
Down Side
None |
C) Build a new station at 8 Merrimac Road - $1.8 million
Up Side
Everything is new There may be available grants
|
Down Side
$1.8 million was the estimate a year ago; most likely higher cost now
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The Committee also ascertained it should recommend to the Selectmen that a structural assessment be conducted before any warrant article is produced.
Minutes
Mr. Moran Moved to approve the August 17 minutes; Mrs. McCarthy seconded; unanimous.
Other
Mrs. White reported that although Mr. Lingel could not attend tonight, he had offered to donate up to $1,500 towards getting some renderings of what the building could look like for the presentation at Town Meeting. The committee appreciated the generous offer; Mr. Pivero asked if it could wait until he could provide a conceptual drawing for the architect to use as the model. Mrs. White had checked with a source who opined a 3D drawing might be able to be rendered for about $1,000.
Mr. Pivero opined that they would need not only the elevation drawing, but also a floor plan so the residents would know what was included inside. That might make the price somewhat higher.
Adjourn
Chairman Moran MOVED to adjourn at 8:07 pm; Chief Alcaidinho seconded; unanimous.
Next meeting is September 21st 7:00 pm Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara White
Barbara White, Secretary
Fire Station Building Committee
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