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Home My WebLink About2015-07-27 15-261 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 15-261 Date: July 27, 2015 Item/Subject: ORDER, Authorizing the Fire Department to Solicit Support and Financial Commitment for the Renovation of their Training Facility located off the Odlin Road. Responsible Department: Fire Department Commentary: This Order would allow the Fire Department to begin the process to renovate and rehabilitate their training facility located off the Odlin Road in Bangor. The Fire Department's training facility near Bangor International Airport was constructed in 1987-88 and has been used extensively over the past 25+ years. The facility has had no significant renovation nor upgrade during this timeframe, and is in need of capital repair. An independent engineering analysis has confirmed that the condition of the facility is poor and must be upgraded before it can be safely used again. The preliminary estimate to rehabilitate the facility is in the range of $82,500. The Fire Department has proposed to solicit interest, support and financial commitment from area fire departments; educational institutions offering fire science programs; state and federal agencies, including grant opportunities; and local businesses as a method to fund the proposed work. Depending upon the response received, some city funding from capital reserve accounts might be needed, but this would be determined by separate Council action at a later date. This was reviewed and recommended for approval at the July 20, 2015 Government Operations Committee. Manager's Comments: Associated Information: Order, Memorandum from Fire Chief Higgins Budget Approval: Introduced for x Passage First Reading Referral Department Head 't'l sW-mmm, . i Finance Director Legal Approval: Page _ of _ City Solicitor Assigned to Councilor Baldacci CITY OF BANGOR 15-261 JULY 27, 2015 (TITLE.) Order, Authorizing the Fire Department to Solicit Support and Financial Commitment for the Renovation of their Training Facility located off the Odlin Road WHEREAS, the Fire Department's Training Facility located off the Odlin Road near BIA was built during 1987 and 1988; and WHEREAS, the facility has been used extensively over the past 25 + years, there has been no significant renovation work performed, and in 2014 the building was deemed unsafe for live fire training; and WHEREAS, an independent engineering analysis indicates that the facility and associated training props are in need of rehabilitation, with an estimated cost of $82,500, and WHEREAS, the Fire Department would like to solicit interest and financial support to provide funding for the necessary work, and WHEREAS, the concept behind this approach is that the region would benefit from having one premier training facility with all interested partners contributing to its upgrade and on-going maintenance. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR THAT the Bangor Fire Department, through the Fire Chief and his authorized designees, is hereby authorized to undertake the following in order to begin the process of planning and developing funding sources for the rehabilitation of the Fire Department Training Facility: 1. Develop a phased plan for the improvement of the facility and related training equipment 2. Use of existing grant funds previously designated for this purpose, and to seek and apply for other available grants funds established for this purpose 3. Approach other surrounding local communities for financial support 4. Approach' other related Fire Service entities for financial support 15-261 JULY 27, 2015 5. Approach local businesses and organizations for financial support, goods and services. 6. Re -Approach the City Council at a later date should the use of city capital reserve funding be needed for the completion of the project AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT The Fire Chief will provide periodic updates to the City Manager and Government Operations Committee regarding this project, and will coordinate any necessary accounting and safeguard procedures for the acceptance and receipt of donations with the Finance Director. IN CITY COUNCIL JULY 27, 2015 PASSED CITY CLERI Fire Department Thomas E. Higgins Fire Chief thomas.higgins@bangormaine.gov TO: Government Operations Committee FR: Tom Higgins, Fire Chief DT: July 17, 2015 RE: Fire Department Training Facility The Fire Department Training Facility was originally constructed in 1987-88. Over the years it expanded from the original building to include several other training components, including live fire burns, search mazes and below grade rescue. It also has an underground water tank used for pump training and annual pump certifications. This "hands-on" facility has been integral to the preparation of countless firefighters from Bangor and across the region. In addition the site is often used for police training evolutions. Because of the multitude of training options and central location, as well as close proximity to food and lodging, the Bangor FD Training Facility has been a preferred training site for many first responders. In recent years several aspects of the training facility have revealed signs of age. In October 2014 the burn building was deemed unsafe for live fire training. The underground tank leaks water and is undersized for modern fire truck pumps. Other training props should be upgraded or reconfigured to meet modern practices. To restore the facility, fire department recommends the following items: • Develop a phased plan for improvement • Use of existing grant funds, or approval to seek and apply for grant funds • Authorization to approach local communities for support • Authorization to approach local business partners for support • The possible transfer of funds from other city reserve accounts to make improvements. An amount has not been determined and would require action / approval by the Finance Committee and City Council, if needed. Fire department staff members welcome the opportunity to discuss the needs of the facility and the opportunities available to make it sustainable into the future. We will plan to have pictures available at the meeting. Ciceik 403F -2.s_� -2, ►t_._ w.Sangormaine.gov! Update Plan: *Burn Building• ➢ Remove 3 story tower ➢ Reconstruct roof over the old tower on the second floor level ➢ Replace asphalt shingles ➢ Replace soffit & fascia ➢ Replace windows (4) ➢ Replace exterior doors (2) ➢ Update sprinkler system ➢ Repair burn room panels ➢ -Paint exterior of building ➢ Construct moveable walls for variable search drills LPG Props: ➢ Replace underground supply piping ➢ Upgrade safety valves ➢ Re -grade the safety position ➢ Re -grade approach Fire Extinguisher props: ➢ Re -grade for better access & mowing Drafting Tank• ➢ Replace with 8000 gallon masonry tank ➢ Update configuration of the testing site rinccrnnm- ➢ Repair walls and ceiling ➢ Repaint walls/ceiling/floor ➢ Replace tables ➢ Replace 2 windows ➢ Replace 2 exterior doors ➢ Install heat pump ➢ Update audio/visual equipment Perimeter Fencing: ➢ Replace 240' of 6' high chain-link fencing ➢ Install 24' wide sliding access gate Bathroom Facility: ➢ Complete interior ➢ Complete decontamination shower ➢ Complete grading ➢ 2 -rehab tables Site Improvements: ➢ Re -grade, as needed ➢ Re -pave, as needed *Burn Building improvements life cycle 3-5 years Bangor Fire Department Training Center Repair Estimates 6-15 Burn Building 25,000 LPG Props 1,000 Fire Extinguisher Props 1,000 Drafting Tank 25,000 Classroom 6,000 Perimeter Fencing 9,500 Bathroom / Decon Facility 5,000 Site Improvements 10,000 TOTAL $82,500