New Fire Stations

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A SAFER TOMORROW STARTS TODAY

Proposed Fire Stations Information

Locations:

  • SFD Headquarters: Main Street and Mayflower Drive, South Sanford.
  • District Station: Payne Street, Springvale.

Design Features:

  • Separate zones to mitigate chemical exposure.
  • Quiet sleeping quarters.
  • Gender-neutral facilities.
  • Energy efficiency.

Reasons for New Stations

  • Age: Both stations, aged over 50 and 100 years respectively, have far exceeded their intended lifespans. Built when equipment was smaller, some modern vehicles no longer fit in the current bays.
  • Size: The current fire stations are undersized and unable to accommodate modern fire trucks and equipment. Lack of space for training, storage, and proper organization of firefighting gear and supplies.
  • Safety: Our stations were constructed before modern safety standards, codes, and practices were established. The facilities are inadequate for firefighters to clean and maintain their gear, increasing health risks from exposure to contaminants.
  • Equitability: Inadequate facilities for female firefighters.
  • Compliance: Non-compliant with NFPA and OSHA standards.
  • Location: The current stations are not ideally located in our community. The new stations will be optimally positioned to help ensure faster emergency services. This strategic placement will also better accommodate our community’s growth.

Financial Implications

  • Cost: $42.5 million for construction.
  • Delay Costs: Each year of delay adds $2.6 million.
  • Funding Strategy:
    • Align construction with the retirement of current debt service.
    • Pursue federal grants (FEMA, Congressional Direct Spending, USDA) post-approval.

Recent Project Developments

2024: Planning and Design

  • January 16th: City Council authorized $168,000 for architectural planning and cost estimation.
  • March 19th: Detailed plans for new stations presented by Bob Mitchell of WBRC/Mitchell Associates, focusing on firefighter health, safety, and energy efficiency.
  • March 19th: City Council authorized a ballot referendum for the November 5th election that seeks Sanford/Springvale voter approval on the construction of two fire stations at the total price of $42.5 million.

2022- 2023: Property Acquisition

  • Properties:
    • 1280 Main Street- Springvale Nurseries (Headquarters/Central Station).
    • 10 Payne Street- Notre Dame Church (District/Sub Station).

2022:

  • APRA Funding (COVID Money) Allocation: $585,000 allocated for purchasing 1280 Main St, Sanford.
  • Activities: Tours of Brunswick and Wells Fire Stations for insights.

2021: Fire Station Feasibility Working Group

  • Purpose: Analyze the necessity of new fire stations and identify optimal locations.

2020: Architect Review

  • Participants: WBRC Architects and Mitchell Associates.
  • Findings: Existing fire stations are outdated, non-compliant with current codes, and unsafe. Immediate replacement recommended.

Project Background Information

2019: Initial Bond Vote

  • Residents voted against a $1 Million bond to purchase land for a new fire station. Note: This vote was not for the construction of a new fire station.

2016: Port City Architecture Study of the City's Fire/EMS Department.

  • Recommendations:
    • Vacate all three existing facilities.
    • Construct two new stations along the Route 109 corridor at equidistant increments.
      • Main Station: ~29,000 sq ft with 5 drive-through bays, 1 decontamination bay, and living, training, and administrative spaces.
      • Substation: ~16,000 sq ft with 4 bays and living quarters.

Help us modernize our fire stations to better serve Sanford and Springvale. The new facilities will address critical issues with our current, outdated stations, improving safety for firefighters and residents. Let's invest in a safer future for everyone.

EVERYDAY SFD PROTECTS US. YOUR VOTE PROTECTS THEM.

A SAFER TOMORROW STARTS TODAY

Proposed Fire Stations Information

Locations:

  • SFD Headquarters: Main Street and Mayflower Drive, South Sanford.
  • District Station: Payne Street, Springvale.

Design Features:

  • Separate zones to mitigate chemical exposure.
  • Quiet sleeping quarters.
  • Gender-neutral facilities.
  • Energy efficiency.

Reasons for New Stations

  • Age: Both stations, aged over 50 and 100 years respectively, have far exceeded their intended lifespans. Built when equipment was smaller, some modern vehicles no longer fit in the current bays.
  • Size: The current fire stations are undersized and unable to accommodate modern fire trucks and equipment. Lack of space for training, storage, and proper organization of firefighting gear and supplies.
  • Safety: Our stations were constructed before modern safety standards, codes, and practices were established. The facilities are inadequate for firefighters to clean and maintain their gear, increasing health risks from exposure to contaminants.
  • Equitability: Inadequate facilities for female firefighters.
  • Compliance: Non-compliant with NFPA and OSHA standards.
  • Location: The current stations are not ideally located in our community. The new stations will be optimally positioned to help ensure faster emergency services. This strategic placement will also better accommodate our community’s growth.

Financial Implications

  • Cost: $42.5 million for construction.
  • Delay Costs: Each year of delay adds $2.6 million.
  • Funding Strategy:
    • Align construction with the retirement of current debt service.
    • Pursue federal grants (FEMA, Congressional Direct Spending, USDA) post-approval.

Recent Project Developments

2024: Planning and Design

  • January 16th: City Council authorized $168,000 for architectural planning and cost estimation.
  • March 19th: Detailed plans for new stations presented by Bob Mitchell of WBRC/Mitchell Associates, focusing on firefighter health, safety, and energy efficiency.
  • March 19th: City Council authorized a ballot referendum for the November 5th election that seeks Sanford/Springvale voter approval on the construction of two fire stations at the total price of $42.5 million.

2022- 2023: Property Acquisition

  • Properties:
    • 1280 Main Street- Springvale Nurseries (Headquarters/Central Station).
    • 10 Payne Street- Notre Dame Church (District/Sub Station).

2022:

  • APRA Funding (COVID Money) Allocation: $585,000 allocated for purchasing 1280 Main St, Sanford.
  • Activities: Tours of Brunswick and Wells Fire Stations for insights.

2021: Fire Station Feasibility Working Group

  • Purpose: Analyze the necessity of new fire stations and identify optimal locations.

2020: Architect Review

  • Participants: WBRC Architects and Mitchell Associates.
  • Findings: Existing fire stations are outdated, non-compliant with current codes, and unsafe. Immediate replacement recommended.

Project Background Information

2019: Initial Bond Vote

  • Residents voted against a $1 Million bond to purchase land for a new fire station. Note: This vote was not for the construction of a new fire station.

2016: Port City Architecture Study of the City's Fire/EMS Department.

  • Recommendations:
    • Vacate all three existing facilities.
    • Construct two new stations along the Route 109 corridor at equidistant increments.
      • Main Station: ~29,000 sq ft with 5 drive-through bays, 1 decontamination bay, and living, training, and administrative spaces.
      • Substation: ~16,000 sq ft with 4 bays and living quarters.

Help us modernize our fire stations to better serve Sanford and Springvale. The new facilities will address critical issues with our current, outdated stations, improving safety for firefighters and residents. Let's invest in a safer future for everyone.

EVERYDAY SFD PROTECTS US. YOUR VOTE PROTECTS THEM.

  • Financial Breakdown

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    The City of Sanford has a strong history of responsible financial management, avoiding overuse of bonding, and this approach will continue to guide us through this project. There will be a five-year “bump” in property taxes from 2026-2031. With a $2.6 million cost escalation and pending OSHA requirements, waiting isn't feasible. Proceeding with construction now helps ensure compliance and mitigates larger future costs.


    New Fire Station Cost

    The construction of two new fire stations will cost the community $42.5 million in total, if approved in November 2024. If the project is not approved, the cost increases by $2.6 million each year. The City's goal is to align construction with the retirement of current debt service to minimize the impact of introducing new debt service.


    Competition for Grant Funding

    Various grant opportunities exist, including those from FEMA, Congressional Direct Spending, and others, but they can only be pursued after we have a voter-approved project. Due to pending federal safety requirements for fire departments, stations nationwide will require upgrades. This increased competition for funding will decrease Sanford’s chances of securing federal grants if the project is not approved by voters this year.


    Full Cost in 2024- $42.5 Million

    • Initial Tax Increase: Peaks at $2.16 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2028, declining to approximately $0.09 by 2058.
    • Impact on Home Valued at $300,000:
      • Peak net taxation increase in 2027: $248.05
      • Declining to $8.27 by 2058
    • *Average Annual Impact: $231.19 ($4.44 per week)


    Full Cost in 2030- $55 Million (plus $1 million to stay in current stations)

    • Initial Tax Increase: Peaks at $2.13 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2031, declining to approximately $0.27 by 2061.
    • Impact on Home Valued at $300,000:
      • Peak net taxation increase in 2032: $438.24
      • Declining to $73.33 by 2061
    • *Average Annual Impact: $276.95 ($5.32 per week)
    • Additional Cost for Delay to $300k Home: 34.32%

    Note: The 5-year delay costs are included in response to resident inquiries about the potential impact. In addition to $13 million in project escalation costs, maintaining the current stations will require at least $1 million in renovations to keep the fire department operational until the new stations are built.

  • Springvale Station Assessment Report

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    In 2020, Mitchell Associates and WBRC Architects conducted an Existing Conditions and Functional Assessment of the Springvale and Central Fire Stations. Below is a summary excerpt of the findings, with the full report available HERE

    Safe Working Conditions

    • Contamination Risk:

      • Lack of hot and cold zone separation allows airborne carcinogens to contaminate living and administrative spaces, violating NFPA 1500.
      • Inadequate ventilation in the apparatus bay exacerbates exposure risks.
    • Overhead Door and Clearance Issues:

      • Original station doors are barely wider (10’) than vehicles; additional doors (12’x12’) are sub-standard.
      • Inadequate clearance around equipment poses safety risks (pictures 1-3).
    • Storage and Cleanliness:

      • Insufficient storage leads to clutter, trip hazards, and sanitation challenges (pictures 4-14).
    • Exhaust and Drainage Deficiencies:

      • No emergency CO exhaust system and absence of floor drains in the original building apparatus bay.
    • Operational Limitations:

      • Non-drive-thru bays and limited overhead door width make backing apparatus into the station dangerous.
      • Steep stairs to basement storage and lack of secondary egress are significant hazards.

    Proper Care of Equipment & Decontamination

    • Inadequate PPE Storage and Decontamination:
      • PPE exposed to UV light in the apparatus bay, causing degradation (picture 30).
      • Only a residential washer and dryer available for decontamination.
      • Bathrooms and showers are not in the hot zone, causing cross-contamination in living quarters.

    Living Quarters

    • Health and Safety Risks:

      • Contaminants from the apparatus bay infiltrate living quarters, increasing cancer and germ contamination risks.
      • Kitchen is old and unsanitary; bunk rooms are noisy and not conducive to sleep.
      • Single bathroom lacks gender equity; non-compliant with ADA and ANSI standards (pictures 15 & 16).
    • Egress and Ventilation Concerns:

      • Single means of egress is a violation; heating system is in an unrated, unventilated closet (picture 21).
      • Rodents present in living space; no mechanical ventilation (picture 19).

    Offices and Training

    • Lack of Facilities:
      • No offices or training facilities available.

    Site Conditions

    • Parking and Maintenance Limitations:
      • All bays are back-in only; front apron is insufficient for outdoor maintenance, requiring street-level traffic control (picture 22).
      • Only 4 parking spaces; 8-10 needed plus visitor parking (picture 23).
      • No space for mutual aid apparatus, training, or recreation.
      • Ponding water causes unsafe ice conditions.

    General Conditions

    • Building Condition:
      • Building is in fair to poor condition; water seeps into the basement, dripping on equipment (picture 20).

    Compliance Issues

    • Regulatory Violations:
      • Non-compliance with OSHA Consensus Standard, NFPA standards (1500, 1581, 1851, 1989, 1221), FEMA guidelines, Civil Rights Act, ADA, and state Fair Employment Statute.
  • Central Station Assessment Report

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    In 2020, Mitchell Associates and WBRC Architects conducted an Existing Conditions and Functional Assessment of the Springvale and Central Fire Stations. Below is a summary excerpt of the findings, with the full report available HERE
    Safe Working Conditions
    • Lack of Hot and Cold Zone Separation: Airborne carcinogens from the apparatus bay contaminate living and administrative spaces, violating NFPA 1500 requirements.
    • Ventilation Deficiencies: Inadequate ventilation in the apparatus bay fails to mitigate carcinogen exposure effectively.
    • Clearance Issues: Multiple areas within the apparatus bay lack sufficient clearance around equipment, posing safety risks and hindering operational efficiency.
    • Storage and Cleanliness Concerns: Inadequate storage facilities lead to clutter, trip hazards, and sanitation challenges, affecting response times and cleanliness standards.
    Proper Care of Equipment & Decontamination
    • PPE Storage and UV Exposure: Personal protective equipment exposed in the apparatus bay to UV light risks degradation, compromising firefighter safety.
    • Decontamination Facilities: Limited decontamination capabilities, with inadequate space and equipment, violate NFPA standards and pose contamination risks.
    • Sanitation Issues: Lack of dedicated bathrooms and showers in the hot zone forces contaminated personnel to use unsuitable facilities in living quarters, further compromising hygiene.
    Living Quarters
    • Contamination Risks: Living quarters are not adequately sealed from apparatus bay contaminants, increasing health risks for firefighters.
    • Facility Conditions: Outdated kitchen facilities, inadequate bunk room isolation, and hygiene challenges undermine firefighter comfort and rest.
    Offices & Training
    • Environmental Hazards: Offices lack adequate protection from apparatus bay contaminants, posing health risks to personnel.
    • Training Deficiencies: Lack of facilities for practical and didactic training increases operational risks and hampers firefighter readiness.
    Site & General Conditions
    • Site Limitations: Insufficient drive-through bays, parking shortages, and inadequate space for training or recreation impair station functionality and safety.
    • Building Condition: The facility is in fair to poor condition, with structural issues and water seepage compromising living conditions and equipment integrity.
    Compliance Issues
    • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Violations of OSHA, NFPA, FEMA guidelines, and civil rights laws regarding workplace safety, infection control, disability accommodations, and equal employment opportunities.
  • Mayor Brink's Report: Why Voting 'YES' Matters for Fire Station Construction

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    At Tuesday July 2nd's City Council meeting, Mayor Brink's report focused on the benefits and financial effects of voting "YES" in November to approve the construction of two new fire stations in Sanford and Springvale. See her report below:

    "As many of you know, Sanford and Springvale residents will vote this November on building two new fire stations at a cost of $42.5 million.

    We understand this is a significant investment, but a “YES” vote means better protection for residents and modern facilities for firefighters, all at a cost to taxpayers of just $4 per week — about the price of a cup of coffee.

    Some might think voting “NO” saves money, but that's not the case. If the project is not approved now, its cost will rise by $2.6 million each year. There are various grant opportunities available, including FEMA, Congressional Direct Spending, and others, but we can only pursue them with voter-approved projects. After election day, the City plans to apply for millions in grants, making community support crucial.

    Additionally, new federal safety regulations (OSHA) are on the horizon, affecting fire stations nationwide. If we don't act now, we risk losing out on funding as competition for these grants intensifies. Rejecting this project means costly upgrades to our current stations to meet safety regulations, and still facing the need to construct new stations at a cost exceeding $45 million.

    Voting YES is the smarter financial decision, saving money in the long term and securing our community's future."

  • Fire Station FAQ: Why Not Retrofit Existing Fire Stations?

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    🏚️ End of Useful Lives: The current stations, aged over 50 and 100 years old, are nearing the end of their useful lives.

    🚧 Safety Standards: Retrofitting cannot meet the safety standards required for our firefighters or fulfill current fire station requirements.

    🏠 Functionality Challenges: Even with retrofitting, the existing stations would remain too small to fully function, lacking essential space for modern fire department facilities.

    💰 Cost Considerations: The significant cost of retrofitting would be better invested in new facilities that meet modern standards, given the age of the buildings.

    🌐 Location Limitations: Both stations currently occupy properties too small for constructing a newly designed station.

    🌍 Impact on ISO Ratings and Insurance: The current locations of Sanford and Springvale stations do not support maintaining low ISO ratings and affordable homeowners' insurance. New facilities would be strategically located to better serve our community.

    🚀 Operational Efficiency: New stations would enhance operational efficiency, enabling quicker response times and improved deployment strategies to better serve our growing community.

    🔧 Technological Integration: Current stations cannot integrate modern firefighting technologies effectively. New facilities would facilitate advanced technological integration, enhancing firefighting capabilities.

    🏘️ Community Growth: New stations are essential to support anticipated community growth, ensuring adequate fire protection services for expanding residential and commercial areas.

    While retrofitting may initially seem viable, the age, size, and location limitations of current stations make constructing new ones a wiser investment in our community's safety and well-being.

  • Vote for Safer Tomorrows: Supporting Sanford Fire & EMS

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    A Safer Tomorrow Starts Today

    This slogan underscores the city’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of both the Sanford Fire Department staff and the residents they serve. It's not just about the Sanford Fire Department; it’s a commitment to the community, promising better fire protection services, faster response times, and improved emergency medical services.

    The upcoming November election gives Sanford/Springvale voters the opportunity to decide on the construction of two new fire stations. Here's why these stations are urgently needed:

    • Age: Our current stations are too old to meet modern standards, with the Sanford Station at 50 years old and the Springvale Station nearly 100 years old.
    • Size: The stations are too small for modern needs, lacking space for essential facilities and equipment.
    • Decontamination Zones: The lack of proper decontamination areas poses health risks to firefighters after exposure to hazardous materials.
    • Equity Concerns: Inadequate facilities, with no separate showers for female firefighters and shared bunk rooms.
    • Safety: Failure to comply with current safety standards poses risks to personnel and public safety.
    • Location: Current locations are no longer optimal for serving our growing community.
    • Cost Implications: Approval of the $42.5 million project allows for the immediate pursuit of federal grants, avoiding additional costs.

    Every day SFD protects us; your vote protects them!

Page last updated: 15 Oct 2024, 11:42 AM