Local officials are moving toward the construction of a new firehouse that has been years in the planning.
The Milltown Borough Council adopted a $350,000 bond ordinance Dec. 8 to provide for the preliminary design and construction of the facility.
“It’s the first step in a long process,” council President Randy Farkas said.
While a firehouse to replace the 120-year-old structure currently in use on South Main Street has been long awaited, for several years its location had yet to be determined. It was once slated to be built at the Ford Avenue redevelopment site, but officials quashed the plan because of uncertainty and litigation over that tract.
The council decided on Nov. 10 to pursue building the firehouse on the property that is home to the existing facility as well as the borough and fire museums. Borough Engineer Michael McClelland, along with a representative of CME Associates engineering firm, had presented the council with four possible sites, and determined that the South Main Street location best fit their criteria.
“It’s a big plus for us because we own the property,” Farkas said.
Other positive factors for the 1- acre site were its central location, size and the fact that there are no environmental issues that would stand in the way of construction there. In addition, utilities are already hooked into the property, making it more cost-effective.
Milltown Deputy Fire Chief Jules Dekovics first suggested the site, and said the plan is to make the new facility one that will last another 100 years.
The $350,000 allows the town to get the ball rolling on the project by hiring an architect. The dollar amount came from an estimate made by CME.
“It was a good number that we got from CME,” Farkas said. “Of course, we’re hoping that it’s less.”
To get things started, borough officials will send out a request for qualifications, and then evaluate applicants according to criteria established. Borough and fire officials were scheduled to meet and discuss what qualities are most important in the desired architect.
“One of the big keys we’re looking for is experience,” Farkas said.A
key factor in the chosen architect’s experience will be familiarity with obtaining grants in order to fund the project, according to Farkas.
He cited President-Elect Barack Obama’s slated economic stimulus plan as a possible source of funding. Infrastructural projects are planned throughout the country as part of the stimulus, and towns are now preparing in order to get a piece of the funds. For a municipality to receive the federal funding, projects must be ready to break ground within six months of getting the grant, Farkas said.
“We’re trying to actually be pre-emptive and have everything in place,” Farkas said.
The estimated total cost of the project is expected to be in the range of $4 million to $5 million.
Although borough and fire officials deemed the South Main Street site the best option, there were some negatives. Possibly the biggest challenge involved in using the site will be the relocation of two buildings there. The Eureka Fire Museum, housed inside a barn, will have its contents moved into the existing firehouse, and the barn will be razed. The existing firehouse, along with the Milltown Historical Society building, will be moved to the rear of the site.
Representatives from CME said while there is some room for ancillary equipment on the site, it is not much. The property also does not allow for future expansion of the facility. In addition, though the required number of parking spaces for the project is 35, there is only room for 27. Facilities for storm-water management will have to be built underground due to space restrictions.
About five years ago, the fire department formed a committee to investigate potential sites for the new firehouse, which dates back to 1889. Councilman Brian Harto, a 29-year veteran of the fire department, said the current facility is sorely lacking. Aside from a lack of space for parking trucks, the building houses no showers and lacks a diesel-exhaust system, he said.

