Edgecomb Fire Chief Roy Potter told Selectmen Monday night that a structural engineer recently inspected the fire station and the news isn’t good.
Potter says the roof has failed and the engineer is expected to return next week to take measurements on the I-beams of the building to see if those in its main part may be trussed up to extend its use, since the station is still needed to house the town’s fire trucks.
The weight of snow on the roof has been a major concern for firefighters since the structure as a whole is in such poor condition.
“The engineer will be back to do a more detailed inspection and see what we can do. We need to shore it up to protect the trucks,” Potter said. “The only thing that is really protecting it from collapsing due to the snow is the fact that we lose so much heat out of it. If the I-beams are strong enough in the main part of the building, we may be able to truss up the peak and buy us some time.”
Potter advised the board of selectmen that in order to address the immediate problem, it would cost between $400 and $500. He said if the town did not have the money available at this time, it could be borrowed from the fire department’s auxiliary fund.
Selectman Jack Sarmanian described the problem as a “critical event” that needs to be a priority. Sarmanian expressed concern regarding the insurance on the building and the trucks it shelters and said that Maine Municipal Assn. has insisted on receipt of a report regarding the situation, what is being done about it and when, by March 9.
“We must have that report to them or they will cease all insurance,” he said.
Selectman John Johnson reiterated Sarmanian’s statement, adding “If the insurance is taken off that building and something happens while the trucks are in there, it’s going to be very bad. We have to find the money to get this done. When we’re talking about a million dollars worth of equipment, $500 is not much. We’ve got to spend it. We still have no other place to put those trucks.”
Selectman Stuart Smith said that the money could probably be put back into the fire department’s auxiliary fund by July, since it could be raised via an article at the town meeting in March.
Potter said another inspector from Safety Works looked over the building recently and feels its problems are significant.
“She feels we are in dire straits,” said Potter. “To begin with, the electrical doesn’t meet any kind of code.”
“We’re only buying time here,” said Johnson. “The building has to be changed.”
“We’re working on that,” Sarmanian responded. “We’re exploring the possibilities, including fundraising and grants. The need is validated.”
Potter expressed his concern regarding the time frame necessary to react when grant applications are accepted.
“There’s usually a time window on those grants,” he said. “When we got the grant for the new fire truck, we came down to the wire. Because of the selectmen who were here at the time and the way they handled things, we came very close to losing it.”
Smith suggested that an article be included in the town meeting warrant stating that the town could accept any monies received following grant application.
“This is a public safety issue,” said Sarmanian. “This issue is key for the community and the safety of our firefighters is a must.”
In other business, the selectmen voted to remove David Taylor from the position as Licensed Plumbing Inspector (LPI) and replace him with Marion Anderson, who is also Code Enforcement Officer for the town.
