Q: Will South Colton remain open?
Concern was expressed because homes presently within 5 miles of the station will have significant increases in insurance if no longer within the 5 mile range.

A: The commissioners support keeping the South Colton station opened.

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Q: What is the target for the overall cost of a this building project?

A: The aim is to keep the cost under 2 million dollars.

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Q: Where will it be built?

A: There are two sites under consideration, the County Route 58 site and the Riverside site across from the present station. The Fireman's field site was considered, but it was felt that the roads were not conducive or adequate for rapid deployment of emergency vehicles on a regular basis.

The sites are still under review. The CR 58 site has been tested and would be adequate for the building structure and allow for sufficient parking.

The Riverside site had to have asbestos removed before the building could be taken down. Once the buildings are removed, then it can be determined if boulders and dirt can be dug out, or if the slope is a natural rock formation that would make excavation difficult and expensive. Parking for a Fire Hall and a Community Center may be a problem.

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Q: What is the proposed size?

A: Though no final decisions have been made, we have estimated that approximately 8000 square feet would be needed for a new Fire Hall that would house just equipment and personnel needs. This would consist of 4 double bays which will be 84 feet deep, areas for offices, training, exercise facilities, meetings and storage. Approximately 4000 additional square feet would accommodate a Community/Banquet Hall.

We plan to build with future growth in mind. Our goal is to have 25 to 30% of the new area undesignated so expansion without rebuilding is possible as needs grow.

We have gone to several different fire departments to see how they expanded their stations. We were especially pleased with the Bangor station, and its design, that closely compares to what our needs are.

CS: Could we use these plans from Bangor to save going through so much architectural expense again?

A: That is being considered.

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Q: Will there be a dining/meeting facility as part of the plan?

A: A dining/meeting room facility could be included that is capable of seating up to 150 people for dining or 300 people for meeting space. Partitions are also being considered to divide the area for multiple meetings or functions at the same time.

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Q: Have steel buildings been considered?

A: We have set up appointments with a variety of steel building companies to get more detailed information related to specific criteria we will establish.

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Q: What are the plans for the existing fire station in Colton?

A: Multiple things are being considered including equipment storage of smaller equipment, leaving room in the new facility for expansion and optimum use for meeting the needs of the fire department.

CS:

• Possible renovation as the EMT/Rescue Center for equipment and training
• Bunk rooms for future needs such as in mandatory, on-site coverage presence or for centralization of volunteers during major town-wide emergencies like the ice storm several years ago.
• Town take it over for their use

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Q: Are grants being looked into?,

A: Yes, we are looking into all possible funding sources including grants.

CS: Recommend that a grant writer be hired and that the fee for service be included in the grant

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Q: How to keep the community updated on the planning and final proposals?

CS:

• Utilize the fire department web site on the District News Page
• Periodic newsletter from the district for people without the internet.
• Plan proposals on display at the library.
• Consider providing two plans for review with two different designs and cost options. Feedback would be considered in creating the final plan presented to the voters.

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Q: How to give the committee more input.

A:

• E-mail Judy on the Community Page in the web site and she will forward the information to the committee.
• Contact Dave or Scott directly phone, email or by stopping by their homes.