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Commission approves $70,896 for Nordic Lodge fire‑alarm system to raise occupancy limit
Summary
The commission approved using capital funds to install a fire‑notification system at the Nordic Lodge (the county mountain facility) to raise the building’s permitted occupancy from 99 toward 200 for special events; county fire reviewed the plan and staff will execute contracts and return estimated schedules.
The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners approved funding to install a fire‑notification system at the county’s Nordic Lodge that staff said will allow county fire to raise the building’s occupancy for events from 99 toward 200 people.
Michael, a county facilities staff member, told commissioners the current occupancy limit is 99 and that county fire has reviewed the proposed fire‑alarm plan and is agreeable; the requested system is a fire‑notification system of horns, strobes and associated devices, not a fire‑suppression installation. He asked the commission to authorize use of a capital fund appropriation to pay $70,896 for the alarm system. "This is not fire suppression," Michael said; "This is a fire notification system. … The county fire department ... are agreeable to it."
Michael told the board that the capital fund originally budgeted $157,500 for several items and that about $97,000 has already been appropriated, leaving "just over $60,000" available; he then asked the commission to authorize taking $70,896 from the fund for the alarm system and said staff would provide an update on the installation schedule once agreements were executed. Commissioners questioned schedule and oversight; one commissioner said equipment delivery and contract execution would determine timing and suggested about 30 days as an initial estimate.
Several commissioners complimented staff for finding a funding shuffle to cover the work without asking for additional appropriations. Commissioner Michael Goughland said staff had done a "spectacular job" arranging the funds; Commissioner Merrill and others said they wanted the facility available for larger events as soon as possible.
Commissioner Gleeson moved and Commissioner Blair seconded the motion to approve the alarm purchase and installation and to proceed as proposed; the motion passed on a voice vote. The county record shows unanimous "aye" responses from present commissioners.
Why it matters: Raising the permitted occupancy improves the facility’s usability for weddings, races and other community events and may increase revenue from reservations. County fire department review is required to set the final permitted occupancy.
What happens next: Staff will execute proposals and supply an estimated installation schedule to the commission; county fire will set the final occupancy after installation and inspection.
Sources and attributions in meeting record: Michael (county facilities staff); Commissioners Gleeson, Blair, Goughland, Merrill and Laird. Direct quotes are taken from the meeting transcript.
