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SOUTHINGTON -- Township trustees and fire officials here are considering two options for a new fire station, including the possibility of converting a 1907 school building into a fire station.
Trustees and Fire Chief Scott Bower are working on that option with DS Architects of Cleveland or to determine whether a better option would be to construct a new station at the intersection of Routes 422 and 534.
Trustee Chairman Charles Hagman said the architects are reviewing ideas of what would be involved to change the 1907 building that is owned by the township into a fire station with additions or to construct a new building.
The discussions are happening because the current location at the intersection of Routes 304 and 534 has the station landlocked with no room for expansion, Bower said.
He said both locations being considered would have room for growth.
Eric Pros, director of design for DS Architects, said the township could see about $800,000 in savings by building a new 10,000-square-foot fire station, rather than converting the 1907 building. Maintaining the historic significance and integrity of the 1907 building would require more work and modifications.
Josh Lyons, project manager with DS Architects, also said a feasibility study was done addressing upgrades with new electric and heating and air conditioning at the 1907 building.
"We have looked at the overall functionality of the building," Lyons said.
Trustee Cindy Speaker said the 1907 building is a wood-frame structure that has had some repairs. She said it would require American with Disabilities Act compliance upgrades.
Trustee Dan Tietz added that the building has been abated for asbestos.
Speaker said the property at Routes 422 and 534 would have 10 acres for a fire station.
Pros said whatever is decided by trustees there will be room for furnishing the building and plans for a plaque to be located in front of the building
Hagman said when costs are determined, trustees plan to seek available grants and funding to help with project expenses.
"What we need to do first is find the money. We need to investigate grant opportunities," he said.
Pros said if the trustees select the 1907 building there would be grant opportunities for historic buildings explaining "you are going out of your way to keep the historical aspects of the building."
SEPARATE FIRE LEVY
A 7-mill levy for the fire department is on the ballot this November. The levy would generate about $546,000 for the department each year, $351,000 of which would be put toward staffing. The rest would be used for vehicles and equipment.
Bower said funds from a fire levy on the November ballot would not go toward building improvements or construction.
Should the levy pass, the department would be able to staff the station around the clock, 365 days a year with two part-time personnel per shift, which would be a first in the department's almost 75-year history. It also would help with faster response times since volunteers have to travel to the station from their homes before heading out on a call.
Tietz said the idea of fire departments coming together as fire districts has been discussed statewide and locally.
"Every fire department is fighting for people. Some fire departments are able to offer more money," Speaker said.
The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $245 per year.
Officials have said if the levy passes, a combined 2.9 mills in previous fire and EMS levies would be dissolved.