Building Project
Overview
The present firehouse was built in 1955. At that time, the building construction was bonded for $15,000. It has served both the Fire District and its volunteer Company well over the past 68 years it has been in use.
Since being built, many NYS and National Fire codes have evolved. District 8 has complied with the best of its ability working within the confines of its original footprint, however, there remain several NYS and Federal deficiencies in the building that result in critical safety concerns.
Our 68-year-old building has served its purpose but is now operationally deficient and places our volunteer firefighters in potentially hazardous situations. The building is no longer code compliant (for example handicapped accessible) and lacks a safe amount of apparatus to gear space. Additionally, the existing firehouse has several maintenance needs that must happen and will be performed as part of a proposed larger improvement project.
Fire District Commissioners together with volunteer Company members are in complete agreement; the District does not need, require or want an expensive brick and mortar firehouse that costs millions to construct.
The goal is to improve firefighter safety, provide workable apparatus bays and create an accessible location to accommodate District residents for such things as was needed when in the past where Glenville Police Chief Janik addressed residential break-ins within our community.
The Process
Land Acquisition - 2020
The existing firehouse presently sits on a 199’x199’ parcel at the corner of Ridge and Church Roads since 1954. After determining the surrounding land abutting the firehouse structure was owned by the Company in early 2017, and the need for additional land to expand upon, a formal presentation to the Company members on donating their adjoining 28 (+/-) acre parcel to the fire District was conducted. The Fire Company members discussed the donation and by a majority vote agreed at their November 2017 monthly meeting to transfer the 28 (+/-) acres of vacant land surrounding the existing firehouse and picnic pavilion for $1 to the Fire District 8 residents.
The process of completing the transfer included an updated survey, deed and lot-line adjustment of combining the Company donation to the existing District 8 parcel. This process was approved by the Office of the N.Y.S Attorney General and completed in the fall of 2020.
Initial Study
The Board of Fire Commissioners interviewed several engineering companies and engaged Delaware Engineering. A local engineering firm, whose focus was municipal government construction including firehouses, the Fire Commissioners sought their expert engineering guidance on what it would take to provide for an up-to-date, compliant, safe working environment for both the District’s equipment and the volunteer firefighters who serve our community every day. Delawares engagement provided us with (1) a comprehensive risk analysis; (2) the best direction to move forward with the least financial impact and; (3) the recommendation of an apparatus building addition and making required code upgrades to the existing structure to be used by our community.
Project Advisory Group Meeting
The Board of Fire Commissioners in June 2021 invited a small group of eight District residents, which represented a cross-section of the district’s demographic make-up, who toured the existing firehouse and reviewed the proposed future apparatus addition improvement project. Each participant was provided the detailed analysis by Delaware Engineering to review. Topics discussed included the safety of our volunteer firefighters, contaminate issues, adequate equipment space, standard vs. custom built apparatus (to fit existing building) replacement apparatus in future being less costly. They reviewed existing building deficiencies, proposed design details and rationale “renovation, addition vs. tear down” concepts. The group was asked for input whether the proposed project appeared logical and did it make sense to continue. They were asked if they had any better ideas after reviewing the project, and if Fire Commissioners were on the right track for the future of GHFD8. Also discussed were cost and funding sources using details that were available at that stage of the improvement project. The advisory group unanimously agreed the plan was reasonable and well-thought-out. Each indicated their willingness to assist in the future when project details and financials are further along. The Commissioners plan to again engage their input once more details become available and prior to releasing the improvement project to the Glenville Hill community.
Hiring of an Architect
As reported in our past newsletters, District Fire Commissioners, together with volunteer Company members and with the initial support of Delaware Engineering, were in agreement that the District does not need, require or want an overly expensive replacement firehouse. Our goal is to make the firehouse safe for our volunteers, secure our expensive fire and rescue apparatus, and strengthen our connection to the community (by providing a community room and amenities where residents can host community events) through the construction of an addition to the existing building. The Commissioners have received a proposal from H2M Architects and Engineers which outlined such services, including an operations-based program, physical building assessment, site evaluation, codes and requirements analysis, State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), energy efficiency and sustainability, schematic site design, schematic building design, cost opinion, value consulting, and attendance at meetings and presentations, and additionally, a separate public support and education proposal. H2M is a highly recognized leader and specialist in the field of public safety building assessment, feasibility and design, winning numerous design and engineering awards. Previous clients we contacted have provided excellent recommendations without reservation for the services to be provided by H2M Architects and Engineers to the Glenville Hill Fire District #8.
The Board of Fire Commissioners have passed a resolution authorizing engagement of architectural services relating to the firehouse improvement project on September 8, 2021 thereby approving the acceptance of a proposal dated August 16th, 2021, from H2M Architects and Engineers, with corporate offices located in Latham, NY.
Soil Borings
Recently, under direct supervision of H2M engineering, boring/test pits were completed to determine soil types at the firehouse. The boring involved the drilling of several holes into the ground to determine whether the ground at the project site was safe to build on. These tests are an initial geological test applied to the soil in-order to understand the lithology (the general physical characteristics of a rock or the rocks in a particular area) of the ground and determine how much weight the soil can take with or without the aid of any additional footings, piers or other support structures and what sort of materials are the best for the proposed building addition. The result of the pits/borings test was the proposed site soil will support the proposed building addition without additional expensive foundation work.
Next Steps
District Fire Commissioners continue to meet regularly with H2M Architects and Engineers to tweak the Firehouse Improvement Project to encompass functionality and safety requirements of modern day firehouses. At this time, Commissioners continue to explore with the expertise of H2M cost effective construction materials and methods. We are hopeful to reconvene the Project Advisory Group in the coming weeks to present and vet a more exact design and also review preliminary costs attributed to the Improvement Project. Once the group has had an opportunity to review the latest design, cost estimates and an opportunity to provide their valued input, the Fire Commissioners will move on to the next phase of the project of conducting informational meetings to answer questions that District residents may have on the overall project. These informational meetings will eventually lead to a Fire District bond referendum vote in order to fund the project.
How will the Firehouse Improvement be paid for?
Like all District residents, Company firefighters are also taxpaying members of our community, and the Board of Fire Commissioners are working hard to keep the property taxes associated with the improvement project to an absolute minimum. To achieve our project goal of making the firehouse safe for our volunteers, secure our expensive fire and rescue apparatus, and strengthen our connection to the community, we are presently seeking state and federal grants, as well as bonding the project at historically low interest rates. However, to apply for local, state and federal assistance, we must have a District resident approved project. This request for funding on a project already approved is necessarily a chicken/egg proposition. What will be presented to District voters then, must be a full cost project that grant monies will reduce the debt upon.
How can I determine how much my share of the improvement project will be? The formula for determining individual taxpayer cost on this project is:
(1) Total amount to be bonded + interest = Total Debt Service ÷ Term of bond (# of years) = Annual district payment (This assumes even annual principal & interest which is typical)
(2) Annual district payment ÷ district total taxable assessed value (value of all the property in the district) = cost per $1.00 of assessed value
(3) Cost per $1.00 of assessed value x assessed value of individual property = individual homeowner’s additional annual cost for the building improvement addition project
Facts on the Improvement Project
Erect a cost-effective structure/addition to be built along the North-West side of the existing building, facing Ridge Road.
Provide a necessary decontamination area for firefighter gear/equipment
Removal of asbestos in the existing building.
Re-configure existing firehouse bays into community room meeting/training space.
Replace the existing garage bay doors with windows and a single-entry door leading into the community meeting space.
Provide an area allocated to critical functions such as space for turnout gear, gear washing and drying, storage, and toilet and shower facilities that will reduce toxic material exposure.
Removal of siding on existing tower covering the historic original lookout windows.
Handicapped accessibility.
H2M Design Concept and Review Process
The Board of Fire Commissioners continue to meet with H2M Engineers and Architects regarding the building improvement project. H2M’s engineer and design architect assigned to the project presented an initial design based on their risk evaluation and review of the existing structure, provided the best method for connecting the existing building to the proposed addition and reviewed the recent geological pit/boring test results. After a comprehensive review with the Fire Commissioners, H2M staff was requested to modify the draft schematics to reflect the Fire Commissioners discussion and several other workshops were scheduled. A “very near” finalized concept plan will be presented shortly to both the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief together with members of the Volunteer Fire Company for their input as a next step in the process.
Actions of the Board of Fire Commissioners - June 2021 to November 2022
Engaged H2M Architects and Engineers to take a concept plan for a building improvement addition to site plan and floor plan stage.
H2M performed a full evaluation of the current firehouse, finding many deficiencies including inadequate space for NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) compliance, a deteriorating foundation wall, minor mold issues, and non-code compliant wood-frame construction under modern building code.
Board of Fire Commissioners visited various local fire stations which were recently constructed to both examine the physical structure as well as interview their personnel.
Hired legal counsel for two purposes – general legal advice and bond counsel for required legal steps involved with a building improvement referendum and project financing (bonding).
H2M developed a “program plan” to understand the requirements of the various emergency medical and firefighting operation of the district.
Van Guilder Land Surveyors performed a site survey, including topographic information, utility locations, boundaries, and more.
Aztech Environmental was engaged to perform a geotechnical evaluation of the potential building improvement addition site, required to understand subsurface conditions and also to meet NYS Building Code requirements for construction of public facilities.
H2M developed numerous draft plans which were thoroughly reviewed and modified by the Board of Fire Commissioners in order to develop a final “draft” plan.
A firm specializing in construction cost evaluation has reviewed the “draft” plan provided by H2M and provided a preliminary cost projection.
Funding support from every possible source is being pursued, including private and public (State and Federal) entities.
The Board of Fire Commissioners on November 10, 2022 reconvened the small group of eight District residents, “Resident Advisory Committee” representing a cross-section of the district’s demographic make-up that previously toured the existing firehouse and reviewed the proposed future apparatus building improvement project back in June 2021. With a concept of design now available, each were provided with the preliminary schematic drawings from H2M Architects and Engineers to review. Representatives from H2M were present to answer questions the group had. The group was again asked for their input and whether the proposed project made sense and if Fire Commissioners were on the right track for the future of GHFD8. The advisory group again unanimously agreed the schematic plan was reasonable and well-thought-out.
As of November 2022, the Board of Fire Commissioners continue to pursue two courses of action:
(1) Investigating avenues to reduce the overall improvement project cost.
(2) Researching ways to acquire outside funding for the project.
Follow-up Actions of the Board of Fire Commissioners - February 2023 to April 2023
The Board of Fire Commissioners continue to meet regarding the building improvement project. During this time, they have met with a construction management service provider regarding what “Construction Management Services” may be provided the District to move the project forward and assist in controlling construction costs. To date, District Fire Commissioners have met twice and most recently reviewed a preliminary analysis of the project along with estimated costs. More details will follow.
Resolution of Board of Fire Commissioners - June 14, 2023
By resolution dated the 14th day of June, 2023, the Glenville Hill Fire District No. 8 has approved a resolution subject to permissive referendum to withdraw up to $86,500 from its Building Reserve Fund to be put towards the purchase of pre-construction management services. Petitions for a referendum must be submitted to the secretary of the Glenville Hill Fire District no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
Resolution of Board of Fire Commissioners - September 2023
By resolution dated the 13th day of September, 2023, the Glenville Hill Fire District No. 8 has approved entering into an agreement between Hueber-Breuer Construction Inc. of Syracuse, NY for Referendum Phase Services. Hueber-Breuer (HB) will provide essential guidance to both the Board of Fire Commissioners and District 8 residents pertaining to the Building Improvement Project. The first of several “public forums” will be presented on Thursday, September 21st at 7:00pm in the firehouse drill/meeting room. All District residents interested in learning more and providing input on the project are invited.
Building Improvement Project Public Forum #1
The first of several “public forums” was presented on Thursday, September 21st at 7:00pm in the firehouse drill/meeting room. District residents in attendance learned more about the project. The meeting was facilitated by a representative of Heuber-Breuer (HB) who presented several aspects of the improvement project and gathered important information from each of attendees. Each attendee was asked to complete an exit poll at the conclusion of the presentation. A second in a series of Building Improvement Project Public Forums was scheduled that evening to be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00pm in the firehouse meeting room.
Building Improvement Project Public Forum #2
The second building improvement project “public forum” was conducted at the firehouse on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00pm. The meeting was well attended, seeing many residents returning from the first forum as well as residents who did not attend the initial public forum. Using attendee input and information gathered from discussion at the September 21st forum and the exit poll, the Heuber-Breuer (HB)representatives presented several project alternatives as well as addressed potential tax implication of each. A question and answer period was conducted and an exit poll was administered at the conclusion of the meeting. The third in the series of the Building Improvement Project Public Forums was scheduled that evening to be held on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00pm in the firehouse meeting room.
Building Improvement Project Public Forum #3
The third of several “public forums” was presented on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00pm in the firehouse drill/meeting room. District residents interested in learning more on the project options were in attendance, the majority of whom attended previous forums. A representative of the firm Heuber-Breuer (HB) provided detailed information on options for the improvement project, discussed “essential building” construction codes and provided participants with estimated tax implication the project will have on District property owners. The HB presenter answered questions on the project and at the conclusion of the meeting, an exit poll was again conducted. HB will provide the Board of Fire Commissioners information on options discussed together with estimated cost of construction for the December 13th monthly meeting of the GHFD8 Board.
Resolution of Board of Fire Commissioners - December 2023
By resolution dated the 13th day of December, 2023, the Glenville Hill Fire District No. 8 Board of Fire Commissioners approved a resolution for financing of construction of new firehouse and believes that it would be in the best interests of the residents of the Glenville Hill Fire District to construct a new firehouse, measuring approximately 5,300 sq. ft. The Board has evaluated alternatives for financing the Project, and in that evaluation has reviewed the cost of the Project and whether or not indebtedness under a bond for up to thirty years may be utilized, and has estimated the cost of the Project under a statutory installment bond or serial bond, and has made a recommendation to utilize private financing under either a statutory installment bond or serial bond, for a maximum of thirty (30) years. For complete resolution - click here
Building Improvement Project Public Forum #4 - Review of selected “Option 5 - Rev. 2”
A fourth and final in a series of “public forums” was conducted on Thursday, January 4th, 2024 at 7:00pm in the firehouse drill/meeting room. The meeting was well attended. Representatives of the firm Heuber-Breuer (HB) provided detailed information on the selected “Option 5, Rev. 2” , a detached 5,300 sq.ft. standalone Building Improvement Project that will house critical fire apparatus and gear. Using the last three forum attendee exit polls, the Building Improvement Committee concurred, highly recommending to the Board of Fire Commissioners “Option 5, Rev. 2” from the six options reviewed. Discussion included “essential building” construction codes, construction costs, placement, timeline and 30-year bonding of the project. Residents were provided with an estimated tax implication the project will have on Fire District 8 property owners. This option represents the “best” direction to proceed, addressing critical health and safety needs while being as fiscally responsible as possible. Fire District 8 will conduct a district-wide “Special Election” referendum vote scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 from 12-noon to 9pm at the firehouse.
Special Election - Building Improvement Project Scheduled
The Glenville Hill Fire District 8 will conduct a district-wide “Special Election” referendum vote on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 from 12-noon to 9pm at the firehouse. District residents who may be in need of transportation to participate are asked to call the firehouse, non-emergency number (518) 377-3002.
Special Election - Building Improvement Project Referendum Vote Results
The Glenville Hill Fire District No. 8 Building Improvement Project referendum “special election” conducted on Tuesday, January 16th has been approved by District residents. The “special election” was conducted between 12-noon and 9pm at the firehouse located on Church Rd in Glenville. District residents voted 82 in favor of the project with 57 opposing votes. The District anticipates beginning construction of the proposed building in late spring, early summer.
Building Improvement Project is Moving Forward
After careful consideration of proposals received, the building project has begun to take shape with the acceptance of professional service proposals for civil engineering/site planning, architectural design and construction management. The Board of Fire Commissioners at the February 14th, 2024 meeting have contracted with the following firms:
Construction Management: Heuber-Brurer Construction, Inc. with a primary office located at 148 Berwyn Ave, Syracuse, NY
Civil Engineering/Site Planning: Napierala Consulting Engineering, PC with a primary office located at 110 Fayette St, Manlius, NY
Architectural Design: La Bella Associates, PC with a primary office located at 300 State St #201, Rochester, NY