Hamlin Fire District plans building upgrades

The Hamlin Fire District building, located on Lake Road, has had no improvements other than cosmetic updates since it was built in 1979. The Hamlin Fire District will be starting major renovations and improvements to the building in late fall of 2002. Renovations will be made to the restrooms to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) federal requirements, along with updating and expansion of the kitchen and dining area, and the training and meeting rooms to accommodate the expanded firefighter membership since September 11. The office space for the company officers will be updated to allow for streamlining of company services. The installation of a new telephone system will allow for optimum emergency response time. The installation of a fire sprinkler system throughout the building and the new building addition will meet state and federal fire codes. A new HVAC system will provide more efficient heating and cooling for the present building and the new addition. The additional building space will house the new offices of the district commissioners, chief, secretary, treasurer and add much needed record storage. Currently, all the officers, both district and company, and record storage, are in the same office area built in 1979. The addition will also include a new lounge/day room, bunk area and physical fitness training area.

It is intended that these improvements will help to maintain the present membership and allow for continued recruitment of new members as well as enhance the health and fitness levels of the membership. It is expected that there will be insurance savings, plus fire protection for the building and its contents, which the building is not eligible for in its present condition. Replacement value of the current apparatus and equipment would exceed two million dollars. It is also anticipated that the improved HVAC system will reduce the cost of utilities. The purchase of the physical fitness equipment and physical trainer services for the new fitness training area will possibly be supplemented by a grant from USFA/FEMA (United States Fire Administration/ Federal Emergency Management Administration) which the district submitted an application for this year. A Community Facilities Enhancement Program from the USDA (United States Development Association) will also contribute to this project. These two federal assistance programs, along with the above mentioned savings, and the present operating budget of the Hamlin Fire District will make the project possible without an increase in taxes. The project is slated to be complete in early/late spring of 2003.

prepared by Hamlin Fire District

Note: A vote on authorizing the issuance of up to $450,000 of general obligation bonds (and notes of anticipation thereof) is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 at the L.R. Merritt Hall, 1503 Lake Road, Hamlin, polls open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.