CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE
TOWN Of WILLINGTON
WILLINGTON, CT ~06279
Meeting Minutes
Town Office Building
January 8, 2013
Members Present: Members Absent:
Allen Furphy Jim Poole
Melissa Welsh Donna Latincsics, Business Manager
Vice Chairman, Jim Bulick Ken Schoppmann, BOF Chairman
Kelly Trueb
Tyler Millix
Chairman John Patton
Also Present:
Residents
Willington Senior Center- President Wilbur Gangaway & Secretary Joe Piatek
Emergency Management Director/ Willington Fire Department #1, Stuart Cobb (and Chief Millix seated on CIP)
Willington Fire Department #1, Inc. President, Vinnie Tougas, Chief Tom Snyder & Assistant Chief Michael Makuch
Chairman Patton called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M.
- Approval of Minutes December 18, 2012 and January 3, 2013
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the minutes from December 18, 2012 and January 3, 2013
Kelly Trueb seconded the motion.
Melissa Welsh asked to make an edit to the December 18 minutes : under the approval of minutes for September 10, 2012, the record should show Kelly Trueb abstained as she was not at that meeting.
Also, page 2: last paragraph should read: Melissa Welsh asked what was done last year with First Selectman Mailhos late submission. The reference to WHFD late submittal was Chairman Patton’s response.
All in favor
Willington Senior Center
-Senior Van
Wilbur Gangaway, President of the Willington Senior Center stated there still is a need for the van. He stated that the grant for a new van is no longer available. He added that they have been getting donations for the van; they have approximately $1,200 and would like to keep the request in the CIP. They are also planning to hold fund raisers. He added when members of the Senior Center pass away, and they do not request for the money to be donated to a specific place, they make a donation in that person’s name to the van. Joe Piatek added that one of the members who likes to go to the monthly luncheon must get a ride with her caregiver, because she cannot get in and out of the van. The request for van purchase is $60,000 in FY 2013-2014.
Tyler Millix asked Mr. Gangaway if he has been in contact with other neighboring Senior Groups? He gave an example that the Town of Union has purchased a used van that is handicapped accessible that they were able to purchase from NECOG for $1 through Willimantic Transit. Perhaps he should contact them.
Kelly Trueb asked if we have priced out what the insurance would cost to operate a handicapped van? She believes the cost of insurance might be for the equipment in the van in addition to the van. First Selectman Mailhos stated she would check with the Insurance company. Discussion was held on who would drive. Mr. Piatek stated if the van holds less than 25 people, he and Mr. Gangaway could drive it. Anything over 25 passengers would need a CDL.
Willington Fire Department #1
Stuart Cobb, the Emergency Management Director presented Willington Fire Department’s requests.
Exhaust system for Station 13 – (FY 2013-2014) Mr. Cobb stated that this is a new request. There is a need to install the exhaust capture system at the fire house. The system uses hoses and ducts to capture exhaust gases directly from each vehicle and discharge it outside. He referred to the set up of the firehouse, where the kitchen, office space and meeting room are not segregated from the garage. He also noted that the fire house is also occupied 24 hours per day. The utensils and cups / plates in the kitchen have a residue from carcinogens from carbon monoxide and soot from starting the vehicles to go out on calls.
He explained how the system would work. It is a 6” hose that is retrofitted to the exhaust of the vehicles. When the vehicle is started, it begins to suck the Co2 out. It stays intact until the vehicle has left the building. The other parts are attached to the exhaust stacks. Kelly Trueb asked if there were different costs associated with the two types.
Vice Chairman Bulick asked if there are any other types of exhaust capture systems? Mr. Cobb stated that they are all roughly the same, being made of corrugated hose, some have cables and springs, but they all have the same concept of hooking a hose a the end of the exhaust. He added that manual hook up is required when returning to the garage with the exception of the vertical stacks, which would be automatic. The cost for the system is $60,000. Melissa Welsh asked if the cost included the purchase and installation. Mr. Cobb answered yes.
Replace 2006 Ambulance – (FY 2013-2014); This is our only ambulance that has 108,000 miles and as of right now it is in “ok” shape. Mr. Cobb stated that we have never kept an ambulance this long of a period of time as this one. If it goes out for service, we would be out $300-$400 revenue per day in addition to hiring another ambulance to cover us. The ambulance has some corrosion, and we have had some work done on the dashboard. The ambulance has also generated over $180,000 of gross revenue. Chief Millix stated it is a gamble at this point. Do we replace it while things are good and we can get a decent trade for it, or keep it and then trade it in before something major happens?
First Selectman Mailhos asked how much we could get for a trade in? Chief Millix said he isn’t sure, but approximately $20,000 or $30,000 – he reiterated that we have never kept anything over $100,000 miles before. The lease is up this year. The request for a new ambulance is $240,000 net cost. Mr. Cobb stated it would take approximately 6 months to get a new one. It has already been speced out.
Replace 2001 Pickup Truck – Mr. Cobb stated that the pick up truck is essential to our day to day as well as emergency operations. The vehicle has serious corrosion issues and is unlikely to pass the required DOT inspection in the near future. He added that the left side rocker panel (the outer and inner panel) are gone, and you can see through to the ground. The side step on the vehicle no longer has a spot to bolt the step onto. He added that the bed is not far behind for corrosion. This vehicle is used to transport additional personnel to many emergency calls, traffic control at motor vehicle accidents. He gave an example that this vehicle was brought to a recent fire in Stafford to load the frozen hoses into. They use it for just about everything. The brake lines are in
need of replacement as well.
Vice Chairman Bulick asked if we bought it or leased it. Mr. Cobb stated the Fire Department purchased it with their own funds in 2001.
Kelly Trueb asked if the price is for a new or used vehicle. Mr. Cobb stated that it is based on a new vehicle. He added that the radios would be moved over, but the lights would need to be replaced and are figured into the cost based on a new truck that was purchased in Franklin, CT. The request is for $45,000 under FY 2013-2014. WHFD Assistant Chief Makuch stated that he just priced out a brand new 2013 Tahoe ordered for UCONN state contract. The cost of the Tahoe is $30,759 (including a $5,000 trade in ).
Refurbish 1990 Engine Tank-. Mr. Cobb stated in order to obtain the longest possible use of this vehicle is to refurbish it. He added that another issue with this truck is that the members have difficulty removing the ladder from it – it takes several people to get it off. Right now, we only have three people responding to calls, and it is extremely difficult to get the ladder off; which is also time consuming. The rack will need to be replaced and the cost for the rack alone is $10,000. In order to be able to keep the truck in operation, they need the replacement rack as well as upgrades to safety items – like the reflective chevrons (a standard DOT requirement) and lighting advances in technology. This should able the Department to keep the truck for an additional
7-10 years. Request for refurbish is $50,000 FY 2013-2014 and listed as a priority.
Replace 1981 American LaFrance Engine: Mr. Cobb stated they inherited the Engine from Willington Hill Fire Department and it is currently operating, and passed the DOT inspection this year. It will, however require many safety upgrades in the very near future in order to keep it operational. In the event a new truck would be purchased, they would retire this truck and out the 1990 Engine Tank at the South Station. Mr. Cobb added that WFD#1 has applied for grant funding for a new truck recently, but has not been successful. Mr. Cobb added that a new truck was verbally promised a few years ago – Willington Hill was to get a truck one year and we [WFD#1] would get one the next, and it didn’t happen. He added that it is better than nothing at the moment. The request for
the new apparatus is $600,000.
First Selectman Mailhos asked what the lease payments would be on $600,000? Chairman Patton stated approximately $90,000 per year. Mr. Cobb clarified that it takes one year to get [build] one, and the specification process takes many hours. There is a whole process that has to happen to make the purchase.
Kelly Trueb asked if the $600,000 truck is replacing an Engine or an ET? Mr. Cobb replied that the proposed truck would be classified as an ET. He then clarified the difference between an Engine and an ET, which is the cut off of the amount of water held. An Engine Tank (ET) holds more than 800 gallons of water, where an Engine holds less than 800 gallons of water.
First Selectman Mailhos asked about timing. It really wouldn’t be an outlying number – it would be around $90,000. Chairman Patton clarified that it would still show as a $600,000 “hit” that fiscal year. Chief Millix added that payments can also be deferred. Mr. Cobb clarified that the payments would be greater
Lastly is a request for an Addition to Station 13:. Mr. Cobb stated that for many years, the fire house was designed to be a garage originally with three bays. Since then, the functions that happen at the fire house have changed and there are many things happening there. The public comes in to get permits, they hold training and he added that they are trying to run a business. The goal is to provide a training and meeting area, bunk room storage and additional office space. Plans are needed to determine what could be built on this very restricted site. The request for the plans is $35,000 for FY 14-15 and the addition is for $760,000 projected in FY 16-17
Chairman Patton asked the status of the Municipal study that was done a few years back. Mike Makuch (Of Willington Hill Fire Department and also the Chairman of the Municipal Facility Study Committee) responded that the study committee received a second set of plans this past summer (2012) from the engineer (Kaestle Boos Architects). The first phase was the Senior Center and we received a set of drawings of suggestions of renovations. They also submitted a revised set of drawings pertaining to Willington FD#1, as the first set was rejected from the Committee. The Engineer was then asked to submit WHFD’s plans, but Mr. Makuch stated that we still have not heard back from them. Discussion was held on this study. The study has been ongoing for many years and is taking longer than
expected. The original cost of the study was $20,000 and we are still holding $6,000 until we receive the remainder of the plans (which is for WHFD). Mr. Makuch stated that he would like very much to be over and done with this as it is taking much longer than expected. Mr. Cobb noted the intent of the study was to give error of credibility of what we were asking for. First Selectman Mailhos added that they didn’t have much credibility as the originally submitted plan for Willington Fire Department #1 had proposed to put an addition on top of the septic tank, thus, rejecting it the first time.
First Selectman Mailhos asked if they are thinking of adding on to the building. Chief Millix stated that the plan is to leave the existing fire house as it stands and moving the operations and training center etc. to the attachment.
Willington Hill Fire Department
Assistant Chief Michael Makuch presented the requests for Willington Hill Fire Department:
Replace 3,500 feet of 5” hose – Mr. Makuch stated that most hose was purchased in 1991-1995 and is reaching the 20 year mark. During the annual testing it fails at greater amounts as it ages. The coupling is removable and can be saved. The hose can be cut at the failure, replacing the coupling, resulting with having various lengths of hoses (such as 30’ instead of 50). The request to replace the hose is $17,500 in FY 2013-2014. Mr Makuch stated that the new truck has a larger holding capacity therefore they are looking to purchase 3,500 feet of hose.
First Selectman Mailhos asked how far do they need to stretch the hose. Mr. Makuch stated that they are limited to carrying capacity and then laying it out is limited by terrain, noting that the truck is limited to 1,000 feet on the new truck. The 1991 ET is a reel, and it is limited to 2,200 plus a few hundred additional in other storage areas on the apparatus. First Selectman Mailhos asked if it is compatible with the other Department. Stuart Cobb stated that WFD#1 has 5” hose as well. First Selectman Mailhos asked if this is all the hose we need as a Town? Mr. Makuch stated it is a reasonable request. Chairman Patton asked if it would make more sense to buy the hose in 300 foot increments, rather than going through this every fifteen years. Mr. Makuch responded that
you can take the same philosophy on many things, but sometimes it makes more sense to buy things in bulk or as a capital expense. In this case the hoses are coming to an age where a lot of it is due and if we were only to replace 300 feet, we would have a lot of failures. He noted that in 2012 they had 700 feet fail and in 2011 was 400 or 500 and 300 the year prior to that.
First Selectman Mailhos asked if their hose is compatible with the other department and how old is Willington Dept #1’s hose? Stuart Cobb stated they have new 5” hose that they were able to obtain (along with two other departments) from a FEMA grant. One of the requirements of the grant was the hose be compatible with surrounding Towns. He added that all of our neighboring Towns use the 5” hose with the exception of Stafford, who uses 4”. Mr. Makuch stated that WHFD switched from 3” to 5” back in 1991.
Rust repair and equipment modernization to the 1996 Rescue 149: Mr. Makuch stated that this request has been in for a few years. Until the department got the Expedition, it used to go to every call. Now it only goes to house calls that require rescue equipment. Due to age, rust is becoming an issue on the steel cab. The Department would like to address the rust and repaint before it becomes a major rust repair. The cab section is steel and the body is custom built aluminum; they would like to upgrade some of the lighting and the rescue tools that have aged. He noted that the department has used some of their operating budget to replace some of the rescue tools, such as the jaws of life. The request is for $60,000 in FY 2013-2014.
Peter Latincsics asked the distinction all medical calls from Willington Hill and how it differs from an ambulance call from the other department. Mr. Makuch answered that all the medical calls in town are toned for both departments; WHFD comes with whatever apparatus is needed to support the call. He clarified that WHFD answers to the call with the apparatus, and WHFD either responds with additional apparatus, or the expedition with manpower support. He added that it is based on the type of call, not the part of town.
Modernization of ET149 –Mr. Makuch stated that they would like to upgrade some of the equipment. The generator is in need of replacement as it is noisy and inefficient. He stated that the department had put in their five year plan that this truck would have been anticipated to be in worse shape than it really is. The request to refurbish the apparatus is for $80,000 in FY 2014-2015.
Old Farms Road Station Renovations Phase 2 with Water Hook Up – Mr. Makuch stated that they went through zoning to add the additional bay on the station, they originally projected it to be a three phase expansion project to deal with storage and space issues. Phase I was the bay that has been completed. Phase II is the addition to make the back end of the bays the same length so the rear roof line would be the same. This would gain additional square footage. Phase III would be the water hook up, but we did not have enough money to hook up to the water main. it looked ilk ether ewas going to be enough money to hook the Station up to the water main, however it did not happen. When they put the addition on the building they had ran a conduit under the ground in anticipation of
hooking up to the water system. The request for the Phase II and water hook up is for $80,000 for FY 2014-2015.
Melissa Welsh asked what Phase 3 consists of – Mr. Makuch replied it would be squaring the existing bays, extending the roof line along the right side of the building to square it off. A Corridor would also be added inside the building to separate the bays and the office space. He added that the department has already received zoning approval to move forward with this project.
Replace Generator, transfer switch and circuit panels- Mr. Makuch stated the generator at the station originates from the 1980’s and is too small to power the building at full capacity. In an emergency situation, the department is not able to provide shelter for anyone other than the members. He gave an example that the generator can not even power the garage doors. They would like to replace the transfer switch and circuit panels from the service point into the building.
The request is for $50,000 for FY 2015-2016.
Engineer and design work for a new Fire Station: Mr. Makuch stated this would be a place holder for the anticipated findings from the Facilities study. The department has been told to keep it in the plans. The request is for $200,000 for FY 2016-2017. The Construction of the new Fire Station is also on the list. The request is for $4,500,000 in FY 2017-2018.
Replacement of SCBA Bottles – Mr. Makuch explained that the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) are coming on expired certification in 2019, they are looking at replacement in the year prior. He added that they will need to be replaced as they cannot be used after that date. The request for the SBCA Bottles is for $35,000 in FY 2017-2018.
Chairman Patton stated that he will work with Donna on the figures and put them into a spreadsheet so the Committee can work through the requests and the priority process.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 7:00 PM
Allen Furphy moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 P.M.
Vice Chairman Bulick seconded the motion.
All in favor.
Respectfully submitted
Robin Campbell
Recording Clerk
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