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Otisfield seeks CDS grant for Spurrs Corner fire station; board sets $250,000 cap on town share
Summary
Otisfield Select Board heard Fire Chief Jordan outline a $1.21 million CDS grant proposal to expand Spurrs Corner Fire Station and cover exhaust, a cistern and parking upgrades; federal funds would cover about $970,166 and the board recommended a town contribution not-to-exceed $250,000. Public workshop Feb. 5; hearing Feb. 19; special Town Meeting March 5.
At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Otisfield Select Board reviewed a proposed Community Development/Capital Development (CDS) grant application to expand Spurrs Corner Fire Station and address related site upgrades.
Fire Chief Jordan told the board that the primary needs identified for the application include construction of a 72-by-24-foot single-bay addition, installation of an exhaust system, acquisition of a cistern and repair or replacement of the parking lot. Chief Jordan said the project also requires upgrades to the leach field and an additional 12 feet of parking beyond the proposed new bay. He gave a total projected cost of $1,212,708, saying approximately $970,166 is anticipated from federal funds and that $242,542 would be requested from the town.
Chairman Hal Ferguson recommended capping the town’s contribution at not-to-exceed $250,000. The board scheduled a public informational workshop for Feb. 5, a public hearing for Feb. 19, and a special Town Meeting on March 5 where voters would consider the town contribution.
The item is of fiscal consequence because, if the grant is awarded, local taxpayers could be asked to provide the capped contribution. The proposed physical work would enlarge the station’s apparatus bay and include site work to ensure vehicle and equipment access, ventilation and water storage for fire suppression.
Chief Jordan also reported personnel changes in the Department: Deputy Chief Damon has resigned his deputy position and will continue serving in the department as a lieutenant, and Ryan Fox will move from the third to the second position as Deputy Chief. Separately, Chief Jordan said Engine Four will be delivered next Tuesday to Spurrs Corner Fire Station and that the public is invited to see and push the new truck into the station at noon on Jan. 31.
No formal board vote to apply for the grant or to obligate town funds was recorded in the minutes on Jan. 21; the board’s recommendation was recorded as a not-to-exceed figure for budgeting and public notice purposes. Next procedural steps are the Feb. 5 workshop, Feb. 19 hearing and the March 5 Special Town Meeting.
