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Council reallocates $100,000 to reactivate Admiral Street (Allentown) fire station
Summary
Council approved a $100,000 transfer from a radio project to fund bare-bones upgrades that would allow 24/7 staffing at the Admiral Street (Allentown) fire station, including exhaust extraction, basic bunking and safety improvements; the radio upgrade grant remains fully funded.
The City Council approved moving $100,000 from a previously budgeted radio FNE digital-conversion item to an "Admiral Street Fire Station upgrade/renovation" project intended to allow more consistent staffing and improve firefighter safety.
Acting Finance Director David Taylor explained the radios program was fully funded through grant funding; the $100,000 share previously allocated for fixed-network equipment is available for reallocation. Fire leadership described project work intended to meet OSHA and union safety concerns and to create separate bunk rooms for career and volunteer staff so the station can operate 24/7. The chief said initial work would cover exhaust extraction systems, a kitchen renovation, a second bunk room, apparatus-room floor repairs and relocation/upgrade of standby power, with some future phases possibly requiring additional capital.
Chief Transcio (identified in the meeting) said the upgrades would reduce response times to nearby areas, support a UNH "bunkie" student program and could improve insurance-classification ratings that affect commercial rates. Council members pressed for specifics and asked whether $100,000 was sufficient for a first phase; the chief said the listed items are the "bare bones" needed now and any additional work would be brought as a future capital request.
Councilwoman Akbrelli moved the transfer in committee and it was presented to the full council; the motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The minutes and committee report record the transfer from the radio FNE project (account numbers given in the committee report) to the Admiral Street upgrade project.
Action details: Transfer approved; funds are planned to be used for immediate safety and operational improvements with follow-up capital planning for larger renovations as needed.
