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Select Board decides to keep Station 3 as storage for now while studying options
Summary
After hearing that Station 3 has nonpotable water, septic and structural issues and that refurbishment would require demolition and rebuild, the board voted to keep the building as storage/power for the radio repeater and seek cost estimates for future action.
Chief Celic told the Select Board on June 8 that Station 3 has long-standing infrastructure problems — nondrinkable water, an aging septic system, and structural issues — and that multiple studies indicate the building cannot be refurbished and would need total demolition and rebuilding to be operational.
"It has to be torn down completely and rebuilt," Chief Celic said during his presentation, summarizing years of reports and maintenance history. The chief outlined options: continue using the building for storage and move the generator to the radio antenna, demolish and relocate systems, or plan for eventual replacement. He noted roughly $50,000 in work has been spent on Station 3 since 2021, and earlier demolition estimates in packet materials were about $50,000 though that figure predated the tower installation and site conditions may have changed.
Board members discussed response-time implications, insurance, and how the presence of an unstaffed station affects perceived coverage in that area. Select Board member Mark moved to "leave it just the way it is" for the near term; Allison seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The board asked the chief to include security upgrades in any short-term plan and to bring demolition or replacement cost estimates if the board decides on future capital work.
