East Hampton committee moves forward with RFP, cites structural issues at Company 2 and maps potential relocation sites

The Firehouse Site & Development Committee of the Town of East Hampton on Jan. 5 reviewed recent site visits to the town’s two fire stations, introduced two advisors for the study and advanced a draft request for proposals (RFP) to evaluate existing facilities.

Chairman Rich Knotek opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and recorded attendance, including Town Manager David Cox and Fire Chief Rob Rainville. The committee introduced the selected firemen advisors, Marty Swan and former Fire Chief Greg Voelker, who will participate in the evaluation process.

Members reported on weekend site visits to Company 1 and Company 2. According to the committee’s discussion, Company 2 “has some structural issues on their second floor,” and members described recent cleanup and remediation work at both buildings. The group also discussed the possibility of adding an addition to the Company 1 building and emphasized developing a long-term plan that aligns department capabilities with town needs. Fire Chief Rob Rainville read a report outlining what needs repair and what has already been addressed.

The committee reviewed a drafted RFP for an evaluation of the town’s existing firehouse facilities. The draft RFP, which committee members received in advance, borrows language from other documents and includes an aggressive timeline intended to engage a contractor by the end of February. Members discussed adding a bidder walk-through and Q&A, which would likely shift contractor engagement to mid‑March. They also discussed creating a detailed scope of work, setting project milestones, and the preferred submission format (historically both physical and electronic copies; members considered the merits of electronic-only submissions). The committee noted the need for environmental studies on existing properties and potential sites for a new facility.

Members reviewed ISO (Insurance Services Office) mapping to inform potential relocation decisions. Committee discussion noted that ISO ratings (which use a scale up to 10) take town water infrastructure into account and recommended producing a map showing three candidate sites to assess coverage and insurance implications.

For next steps, the committee asked that the Town Planner attend the next monthly meeting to provide planning input, instructed members to begin reviewing town‑owned properties via the Town Assessor’s office, and identified identifying properties that would meet the Fire Department’s criteria. Members noted that any new site would likely require a special use permit.

Procedural motions during the meeting included unanimous votes to adopt the agenda, approve the Dec. 1, 2025 minutes, and adopt the 2026 meeting calendar. The committee adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Adopt agenda — motion by Rob Rainville, seconded by Tim Feegel; voted 8-0 to approve. Approve Dec. 1, 2025 minutes — motion by Mary Ann Dostaler, seconded by Rob Rainville; voted 8-0 to approve. Approve 2026 meeting dates — motion by Mary Ann Dostaler, seconded by William Abbott; voted 8-0 to approve. Adjourn — motion by Rob Rainville, seconded by Tim Feegel; voted 8-0.

The committee’s next regular meeting was scheduled as part of the 2026 dates the group approved; members will invite the Town Planner and continue the RFP and site-selection work.