Melbourne Beach commissioners authorize bids for firehouse roof, cupola options

Melbourne Beach commissioners voted unanimously March 31 to instruct town staff to obtain three bids to replace the fire department building's roof with a shingle system and to include an option to remove the cupola and add ridge vents.

The vote followed a detailed discussion among commissioners, the town manager, the building official and fire department personnel about recurring water intrusion, mold, interior damage and the limitations of the town's maintenance capacity. Town Manager Elizabeth Mascaro told commissioners, "we do have a hundred and 10 thousand in our long term capital for the roof." Building Official Robert Bickman said an aluminum roof option he had priced was "gonna be a quarter of a million dollars... you might as well figure about 250." In public comment, firefighter and resident Lauren Hartman said she was "utterly embarrassed as a resident constantly seeing this," citing mold and water-damaged furniture and equipment.

The commission’s action directs the town manager to solicit three written quotes for a shingle roof with a separate line item to remove the cupola and provide ridge venting sufficient to ventilate the attic space. Commissioners said they want the roof work prioritized because the roof protects the rest of the building and because hurricane season is…