By Amy Batista, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Voters approved two bond referendums Saturday in the fire districts.
Voters approved a $1.96 million bond referendum that will be used to renovate and expand Bordentown Township Fire District No. 1 Mission Fire Company’s firehouse at 51 Groveville Road.
”The 33-year-old firehouse has long been showing signs of wear and tear,” said Timothy Kinsley, Bordentown Township Fire District No. 1 fire commissioner, in an email Monday.
The bond referendum was approved 132-111 votes, according to officials.
The tax increase based on the township average of $239,281 will be $87.60 per year, Mr. Kinsley said.
The money will be used to replace the existing concrete apron, which is severely deteriorated; replace the existing asphalt driveway and parking area; replace the existing leaking flat roof with a wood truss A-frame roof; replace the rooftop air conditioner unit and upgrade the air conditioner by adding a zoned and multiple air condition system for better efficiency; replace the main heating boiler with a high efficiency natural gas unit; replace the engine bay heating units with high efficiency units; and replace the emergency generator with a self-enclosed natural gas fire unit.
The firehouse also will get a single story addition of about 2,000 square feet.
”This additional space would be added to the rear of the existing firehouse building,” Mr. Kinsley said. “The upgrades will meet ADA requirements for building access and internal facilities.”
He said there will be bunk quarters for both male and female coverage required during emergency operating situations, for example, hurricanes, snowstorms and future 24-hour-a-day staffing, based on department needs.
Voters also approved a $550,000 bond referendum to purchase new trucks and equipment for the Bordentown Township Fire District No. 2.
The bond referendum was approved 38-2 votes, according to officials. There will be no tax increase to residents.
”This is possible due to the fire district paying off a bond in 2014 used to purchase the ladder truck in 2004,” said Capt. Robert McFarland, Bordentown Township Fire District No. 2, in an email Monday.
”We have been researching and are implementing a replacement plan for all equipment, including apparatus,” he said.
”Until recently, we have replaced the majority of our equipment through grants,” he said. “The problem with grants is you aren’t always awarded the grant. While we are still pursuing grants, we needed to implement a replacement schedule for our equipment, beginning with the engine and utility trucks.”
He said the district will be borrowing the $550,000 to purchase both trucks and the equipment necessary to operate them — hoses, ladders, etc.
”Both trucks we are replacing are aging,” he said. “The utility, a pick truck, is 18 years old, and the engine is 15 years old. The engine has had a significant amount of time out of service due to maintenance over the last two years.”
The district will be making both purchases in 2015.
The replacement utility truck will be purchased through a New Jersey state contract vendor once the district has selected a suitable truck, he added.
”We have a great relationship with our voters, and with the Township Committee, and that was evident in the overwhelming support they showed us Saturday and the support they show every year during fire district elections,” he said.
