Bolton PZC recommends approval of 40' x 14' fire department storage building

The Bolton Planning & Zoning Commission voted 7-0 on May 13, 2020 to recommend the Board of Selectmen approve a new storage building for the Bolton Fire Department.

Chief Bruce Dixon described the proposed structure as a 40-foot by 14-foot building with three doors; staff identified two possible sites, one on hard pavement that would allow access to all three doors and preserve a nearby tree, and a second location in the training area that would reduce training space, limit use to two doors and require 12 inches of gravel prior to paving.

Commissioner Thomas Manning moved that the commission, "in accordance with Section 8-24 Municipal Improvements of the Connecticut General Statutes," recommend approval of the project; Commissioner James Cropley seconded the motion. The commission voted 7-0-0 to recommend acceptance to the Board of Selectmen.

Members voiced a preference for the paved location (location one) and for a non-white exterior; Manning suggested a colonial red finish and Chief Dixon agreed. The fire department is considering on-site construction, which would take an estimated five to six weeks, but officials said the project is likely to be manufactured off-site and set on 4x4 skids to meet fiscal-year timing constraints. Officials do not anticipate installing electricity to the storage building.

Sandra Pierog said the storage building had been planned in next year’s budget but the Board of Selectmen accelerated the purchase into this fiscal year and that Capital Acquisition and Advisory Board approval was granted to move forward. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; any final approval and procurement will occur through the Board of Selectmen and contracting processes.

The motion to recommend approval passed unanimously. The commission adjourned at 8:37 p.m.