TOWN OF FLORIDA — A new firehouse is proposed for construction on Bullshead Road to replace the Florida Volunteer Fire Department’s existing Station 2.
“It’s replacing a station that we have outgrown and it’s to better serve the public,” Fire Chief Les Bramer said.
The Florida Planning Board initiated its review of the site plan application this week and scheduled a public hearing on the project for the next meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5.
A 4,620-square-foot fire station is proposed on just under one acre out of a roughly 3.1-acre parcel on Bullshead Road near the state Thruway.
The department is in the process of buying the land from member Christopher Persons for $1, according to Bramer.
A new station has been needed for years, but the matter became more urgent due to the anticipated delivery of a new engine in August.
“Larger trucks do not fit in the smaller stations that we have now,” Bramer said. The new apparatus will replace a 1991 Freightliner engine.
Furthermore, Bramer said the existing two-bay station up the road from the project site is not up to modern standards. The fire department has no plans for that facility at this time other than to maintain its 50-year lease.
Plans for the new station were drafted by C.T. Male Associates after the engine was ordered to ensure it could accommodate the modern equipment.
Although estimated building costs were not immediately available, Bramer said no tax impact is anticipated. Construction financing is expected to be repaid from existing revenue streams and fundraising.
The station will feature four apparatus bays with gear lockers lining the wall near a side entrance. An electric room, standby lounge, office and radio room, restrooms and decontamination room with laundry facilities will be built along the rear wall with a mezzanine above those spaces.
“Health and safety would be better for our firefighters. Also, there would be added equipment in the station that we don't have at this time, like a gear washer,” Bramer said.
An asphalt driveway will lead to the bays at the front of the building. A separate parking lot will be along the side of the building with eight spaces for volunteers responding to calls.
Planning Board members questioned the sparse number of parking spaces, but Persons pointed out the department only has around 22 active members between the two stations. He guessed around five volunteer firefighters are presently assigned to Station 2.
“Both stations are dispatched and respond to all calls,” Bramer said. Each station is equipped with an engine, tanker and rescue vehicle.
The existing Station 1 on Route 30 in the heart of the town would continue to be the site of any public events.
There are site constraints at the proposed location for a new Station 2 due to poor draining soils, as well as a creek and wetlands behind it leaving insufficient space to install a septic system after accounting for a well needed to serve the facility.
Instead, Jake Gordon, of C.T. Male, said a tank capable of holding at least several days worth of wastewater is proposed.
Although not fully designed, Gordon indicated the tank would at least meet minimum standards based on the number of volunteers regularly using the station. Alarms would warn members when tanks need to be emptied.
Board members were initially worried a massive holding tank would be required, but Gordon roughly estimated a station staffed full time by 20 firefighters would need a 3,000-gallon tank to hold wastewater for at least five days.
The proposed station would see much less use, mostly when firefighters pick up vehicles and equipment before responding to calls. Use of a holding tank will require approval from the local Board of Health, which is the Town Board in Florida.
Despite the obstacles, Gordon said the central location suits the needs of the department to serve the town. The department plans to request the installation of a gate to access the Thruway more rapidly when responding to emergencies.
“You’re probably hearing me talk about all these site restrictions and wondering why the site was selected, I think it’s an ideal spot for the fire department itself and that’s kind of how it worked out,” Gordon said.
Further details on the project are expected to be presented to the board prior to the public hearing. The fire department is seeking approval to set up groundbreaking in the spring.
“We’re just hoping the town approves this so we can go forward and protect and serve the community,” Bramer said.