Bristol officials look at adding to building

BRISTOL --Township officials are discussing adding onto the township garage as new equipment has been acquired that often has to be left outside due to insufficient space.

Trustee Chairman Doug Seeman said at their recent year end / organizational meeting that trustees first need to hire an architect to determine what will be involved to add onto the garage and if the current structure could handle an addition.

Seemann said large equipment used by the road department has to remain outside the garage building, but it should be inside to extend the life of the equipment.

The garage is located near the township administration building at the township center.

In other business, trustees are looking at getting new chairs and furniture for the fire department since the current chairs are all cloth and not able to be sanitized properly.

Approval was given to get five recliners, two dispatch office chairs and three office chairs for the fire station at a cost of $5,590.

"The chairs will be of material that can be easily sanitized," Seemann said.

Seemann said the new chairs will be covered by CARES Act funds.

Trustee Ramon French noted the chairs are older and were at the former fire station. The new fire station was opened in September 2011.

"The chairs have lasted a long time and were in the old fire station. It is time for a change,'' French said.

CARES Act funds also have been used for installation of touchless faucets, masks, gloves and reusable gowns.

Also, Seeman said Bristol fire Chief Tom Dempsey and Farmington fire Chief Jon Bland have been in talks that if either department does not have enough firefighters staffed due to coronavirus illness or quarantining, the other department will provide personnel to help.

"Discussions have been taking place between the two chiefs. They are looking at ways to help each other if something were to happen and staff were off sick or quarantining," he said.

French said Bristol has been able to cover all shifts without any problems as current employees are helping to cover shifts when needed.