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Board backs applying for state fire grant to cover fire-specific upgrades; larger building projects to be pursued separately
Summary
Trustees approved pursuing a New York State V Fire grant focused on fire-priority projects (generator, electrical upgrades, heat-pump replacement) while phasing larger roof/envelope work into a second project to match grant eligibility.
Village staff proposed applying to New York State’s V Fire grant program to fund upgrades at the joint fire/multi-use village building. Staff recommended separating the work into two projects so that retrofit or already‑underway work is not ineligible for reimbursement:
• Project A (priority): generator replacement, electrical upgrades, and heat-pump installation to replace end-of-life boiler equipment; largely fire‑department specific items.
• Project B (secondary): building envelope improvements, roof membrane replacement and additional insulation, and other large-ticket items estimated at roughly $1,000,000. The fire share of that project is estimated at about 60% and would be the portion submitted for grant support.
Board members and volunteers discussed phasing, funding exposure, and the need for line-item estimates; one trustee raised concern about the village’s available remaining fund balance. Staff noted the V Fire grant requires reimbursement and cannot be applied to work already underway, prompting the split into two discrete projects. Chief Bryant Knapp (referenced) signaled support for the proposal and requested several additional items to be considered for the apparatus room, including new bay doors.
Trustees moved and seconded a motion to apply for the V Fire grant focused on fire-only priorities and to scale the application so that the first submission concentrates on 100% fire priorities; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff will continue to pursue additional funding sources for the larger envelope work and return with more detailed cost breakdowns and line-item estimates for board review.
Ending: The board directed staff to refine cost estimates, pursue complementary grants, and return with a phased plan and any contracting needs should the village be awarded V Fire funds.
