PUBLIC HEARING

ON BOND OR NOTE FOR A FIRE DEPARTMENT FACILITY

PILLSBURY MEMORIAL HALL, 93 MAIN STREET, SUTTON MILLS, NH

January 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Robert Wright, Jr., Chair, Sutton Board of Selectmen.  Present at the meeting was Robert Wright, Jr., Chair; William I. Curless, Selectman; Dane Headley, Selectman; Robert DeFelice, Chair, Sutton Budget Committee; Cory Cochran, Fire Chief, Kevin Rowe, Deputy Fire Chief; Wendy Grimes, Rescue Chief, other officers and members from the Sutton Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Budget Committee as well as interested members of the public and Elly Phillips, Town Administrator.

 

Selectman Wright reviewed the rules of procedure for the meeting.   Selectman Wright explained the purpose of the hearing which was to discuss the proposed construction and original equipping of a fire department addition at a cost up to $800,000 and the borrowing of a bond or note up to $492,000 to partially fund this project.

 

Selectman Wright observed that there has been a capital planning for this project over the last decade and complimented the Fire Department on the level of preparation involved in order to bring this project forward.

 

Selectman Wright introduced Chief Cory Cochran to present the proposed project.

 

Chief Cochran advised that the Fire Department has been planning for the addition since 2006 when a committee was formed.  In 2007 a capital reserve was established for the addition.  The amount of funding for the project was substantially reduced after two years in order to facilitate the construction of the highway facility.

 

Chief Cochran advised that several members of the fire department building committee were present including Wendy Grimes, Chip Rowe, Garrett Evans, and Andy Palmer.  Chief Cochran felt that the plan that was put together would serve the department’s needs well into the future.  Chief Cochran called attention to a 3D model of the proposed construction and plans.  Chief Cochran advised that the proposed addition is a 30’ X 45’ structure (with no second story) on the 114 side of the building.  Additional space was proposed for an 18’ addition off the back of the building which would have a second story.

 

Chief Cochran noted that the fire department was built in 1974, and at this time, does not comply with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.    He advised that since 1970, the population of Sutton has tripled.  In the last 43 years there have been minimal updates to the building with the exception of a metal roof and new furnace.  Chief Cochran cited statistics from Sutton Town Reports indicating that the call volume for the fire department has increased by 358% since 1976.  Chief Cochran stated that new regulations require that members participate in trainings, adding that at this time approximately ¾ of the members are Level 1 certified.

 

Chief Cochran noted that equipment and vehicles are outgrowing the current space.  The space for fire trucks is adequate and likely to be so for the next 40 years because fire trucks are custom built.  However, if additional space is required for a larger vehicle an interior wall at the rear of the building can be removed to facilitate additional length.

 

Chief Cochran provided an overview of the addition which includes office space, locker rooms, gear storage, and an equipment storage bay, updated restrooms and an updated kitchen area.

 

Chief Cochran discussed funding efforts through capital planning beginning in 2007. Chief Cochran noted that the current capital fund balance was $318,033.90.  Robert DeFelice, Budget Committee Chair, advised that the 2018 starting balance (including 2017 interest) for the Fire Department Addition Capital Reserve was $322,884.00.

 

Chief Cochran provided details of the proposed plan.  The updated kitchen will have access to the new meeting room, create a storage area and allow for the fire station to be manned 24 hours a day should a future need arise such as a severe weather  (i.e. ice storm).  Chief Cochran explained that the current kitchen area is inadequate and items such as supplies, water, and coffee pots are stored on the kitchen floor.  Chief Cochran advised that the kitchen area is not only used by fire and rescue, but also used by the Emergency Management Director when the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is opened.

 

The plan calls for two additional ADA compliant restrooms and showers.  Showers are necessary to reduce cross contamination from fire scenes and to reduce exposure to carcinogens, pathogens, and biohazards.  There will also be a changing area for firefighters.  The existing bathrooms will remain and be used by the general public.

 

The proposed addition will have two 12’ x 12’ offices and a dedicated space for an emergency management/radio room.  The office space will allow fire and rescue to secure personnel files, confidential information and have space for computer equipment.  Space will be available for the Emergency Management Director to store grant files and work on management plans.  The emergency management area will also be a dedicated radio room.

 

There are plans for a meeting and training room.  The current area is not large enough to accommodate the entire membership for monthly meetings.  During trainings, trucks need to be moved out of the apparatus bay in order to have room for training activities.  The concrete floor is not ideal for training exercises that require kneeling and crawling.  Plans for the meeting room are for a 30’ x 30’ meeting/trainings space which will provide enough area to accommodate the full membership, have radiant heat and a carpeted floor.  It will no longer be necessary to pull out trucks in order to have adequate space for training.

 

Plans for the construction include a storage area at the rear of the building.  Currently everyday operating materials (such as tables and chairs) are overflowing into the apparatus area making it difficult to get to the apparatus.  There would also be an accessible upstairs storage area.   Presently, the only way to access the upstairs storage area is via a ladder through a 2’ x 2’ scuttle-hole or by passing items up from the apparatus bay.  A staircase is planned for access to the upstairs storage area in the proposed addition.

 

Turnout gear is currently stored along the walls of the apparatus bay.  Members change between trucks in the apparatus bay posing a danger to themselves from vehicles coming in and out during calls.  When washing apparatus, turnout gear is exposed to overspray and is constantly getting wet.  The existing meeting room would become a gear room providing adequate storage and extending the life of the gear.  Contained turnout gear also reduces firefighters exposure to carcinogens.

 

Chief Cochran reviewed the proposed floor plans and site plan.  Chief Cochran advised that plans include a sprinkler system/cistern, laundry area, refilling and compressor area with secured access from the general public.   Site work is planned to expand the parking area.

 

Chief Cochran advised the estimated cost for the facility is $800,000.  Capital reserves in the amount of $322,884 are available to offset the cost of the project.  Chief Cochran advised that financing projections provided by the NH Bond Bank indicate that a 20-year bond for $500,000 at an interest of 3.04% would result in an average principal payment of $25,000.  Chief Cochran observed that currently the Town is adding $25,000 annually to a capital reserve for the project.  Going forward with the project would likely result in a cost savings for the Town when taking into account the current inflation rate of 6% for building materials.

 

Public comment:

 

Charlie Forsberg asked where the bunk area was located.  Chief Cochran replied that the upper storage area could be used for bunks should a future need arise.  Mr. Forsberg asked whether the current septic system and water supply would be adequate for the new addition and was advised that an artesian well was installed within the last ten years with a filter system.  The leach field on the other side of the road is adequate.

 

Robert DeFelice asked about an exhaust system for the apparatus and was advised that the exhaust system was not factored into the cost of the proposed facility.  Estimates for an exhaust system are approximately $60,000.   Chief Cochran advised that there could potentially be grant opportunities available for exhaust systems which could be pursued in the future.

 

Gail Guertin asked whether the heating system was adequate.  Plans for the new addition were considered when the new furnace was installed this year.  The furnace installed this year would heat the existing space.  Another furnace located along side it would heat the proposed addition.  This configuration was recommended by the heating company and is part of the plans.  Ms. Guertin asked whether the estimate included the sprinkler system and was advised that it did.  The estimated cost for the sprinkler system/cistern was $200,000.

 

Marne Thompson asked about the requirements for the gas stove in the kitchen.

 

Charlie Forsberg asked whether the sprinkler system was necessary.  Mr. Forsberg was informed that it was a requirement of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).  Mr. Forsberg asked whether or not alternatives for fire suppression were explored.  Kevin Rowe, Deputy Fire Chief addressed the need for, requirement for and functionality of the sprinkler system.  Deputy Fire Chief Rowe noted that a sprinkler system would put out the fire before it gets too large.   Deputy Fire Chief Rowe estimated that with the $800,000 addition, the facility will be valued around $2,000,000.  Deputy Chief Rowe recollected that the last fire truck the town purchased cost around $385,000 and opined that it would be an injustice to the town not to put a sprinkler system in.

 

Charlie Forsberg questioned the likelihood of needing a sprinkler system observing that the existing station has been there for 43 years without a sprinkler system.  Chip Rowe recalled the furnace malfunction that occurred with the old heating system that could have resulted in a serious situation as well as the extensive cleanup efforts that ensued.  Garrett Evans observed that the existing building is mostly block and that the proposed addition is stick built increasing the need for fire suppression.  Andy Palmer emphasized that the sprinkler system was required by law.

 

It was noted when the original building was constructed building codes were minimal and not enforced.  Present day changes to building require codes be met such as:  sprinkler system, bathroom area, showers, ADA compliance, occupancy etc.

 

Pete Thompson asked when the project was going out to bid. The town is seeking funding prior to the bid.  Deputy Chief Rowe discussed the design/build approach used for the highway facility.  This approach is also being used for the proposed addition in order to save on the costs for engineered plans which can be in excess of $200,000.  Mr. Thompson felt that when it is voted on at Town Meeting people are going to want to know who the builder will be and actual cost.  Selectman Wright explained the financing surrounding the bond/note and annual costs for the Town and strongly supported going forward with the project indicating that the timing for the project was right.  Deputy Chief Rowe noted that the project costs were arrived at based on a contractor’s design/build estimate so that the Town knows that the project can be implemented for $800,000 or less.

 

Marne Thompson advised that the bond/note would require a 2/3 majority and a ballot vote and encouraged the fire department to promote the addition.

 

Charlie Forsberg asked how a sprinkler system works, and how it would affect the building.  Chief Cochran and Deputy Chief Rowe explained that there is a heat sensor on the sprinkler head that melts and triggers the system which is activated in different zones as the fire grows.  Plans for the fire suppression system include a 20,000 gallon holding tank (cistern) underneath the building.   An electric pump system would be hooked into the department’s existing commercial generator allowing the pumps to function in the event of a power failure.

 

Alison Jones asked whether or not the exhaust system was required.  Chief Cochran  agreed to look into this further but explained that there were grant opportunities that could be pursued.  Chip Rowe wondered whether or not the apparatus bay was grandfathered from this requirement as it is not part of the proposed new construction.  Deputy Chief Rowe provided further information on how the exhaust system is triggered.

 

Andy Palmer asked whether a RFQ/P (request for qualifications/proposals) could be issued prior to town meeting. Selectman Curless felt that the estimate provided was adequate for establishing project cost.

 

Alison Jones asked what the useful life for the building was projected to be.  Chief Cochran felt that the addition could take the department well into the next 40 years.  Chip Rowe observed that the major need was for office space and storage in keeping with the changing times.  Wendy Grimes, Rescue Chief, noted that she just has a cupboard in one corner of the existing meeting room for rescue supplies/files.

 

Robert DeFelice asked what would have to be altered if larger equipment were needed.  The layout of the equipment bays was discussed and could accommodate different configurations to facilitate larger equipment.  In addition, Deputy Chief Rowe noted that ladder trucks were more appropriate for cities, and that neighboring towns could provide them when needed through mutual aid.

 

Alison Jones commended the Fire Department for their professional, thoughtful presentation.  It was determined that a second public hearing would not be necessary.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Elly Phillips

Town Administrator