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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1957-11-18-CEC-min-001.pdf MEETING OF THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE WITH THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS at the East Lexington Fire Station on Monday, November 26, 1956 Present for the Board of Fire Commissioners Mr George Sheldon and Mr William P. Fitzgerald; Absent Mr. Harold Roeder. Present for the Capital Expenditures Committee: Mr. Sanborn Brown, Chairman; Mr. John A. Carrier; Mr Norman Royle; Mrs. Arthur (Rosemary) Fitzgerald; and Mrs. James (Jean) Wanless, Secretary. Absent: Mr D. Sargent Goddard. Discussion began by referring to the letter written by the Board of Fire Com- missioners to the Capital Expenditures Committee on November 21, 1956, outlining their requests for capital expenditures for the next five years. The proposed new fire station ($50,000) is to be discussed with a special com- mittee studying this (Survey Committee for the possible new fire station) Mr. Wilbur Jaquith is the chairman. The new ambulance proposed for 1957 would cost the town an estimated $8,000 plus trading in the present ambulance for about $4500. The present ambulance was purchased in 1951 for $8,000. It has had hard use. The motor is kept going all the time it is out on a trip because the large heater, special radio, siren, etc., all rely on the motor. Users pay from $10 to $18 a trip for the use of the ambulance -- this money goes directly to the Selectmen's account, for the ambulance is really the Selectmen's business; the Fire Department simply runs it for the Selectmen. Since users do pay, this capital expenditure is almost self-liquidating. The replacement of Engine #3, proposed for 1958, would cost $18,000. The present Engine #3 was a used 1940 Dodge chasses when purchased by the Fire Department. A rebuilt motor has been put in it. It is useful for brush fires and auto fires -- except when they are on main routes. The replacements would be larger and have interchangeable parts. The present Engine #3 would be an auxiliary The replacement of the Ladder Truck, proposed for 1959, would cost $36,000. (The Selectmen suggested this timing.) In 1955 the Board of Fire Commissioners requested a new aluminum ladder for $8,000 -- but the Selectmen suggested they ask instead for a whole new ladder truck in 1959. The present truck has an old wooden ladder that is bent, cracked and patched. If the present wooden ladder breaks -- it takes months for repair. The present ladder extends only to a length of 65 feet and this is too short for some Lexington buildings the Gray Nuns and back of the Junior High School. The old ladder is safe up to about 50 feet -- they are not sure of it beyond that. A 75 foot ladder is needed. If a new ladder truck is purchased, the present one will be kept for an auxiliary -- restricted use. (continued) 1 Cap. Exp. Committee and Fire Commissioners (cont.) page 2 There was some discussion of the Lexington fire insurance rate. The Board of Fire Commissioners felt it was as low as possible because of low water pressure and lack of manpower in the Fire Department. The underwriters will make a survey upon request by the Selectmen, but this request has not been made as it was felt the rate might go up rather than down. A Chief's Car is requested for 1959. The newly estimated cost is $1,500. This is a recurring item -- explained in 1956. Replace car each three years. There was discussion of the proposed new fire station (cost - $50,000). It would be a two-bay station and the "old res" on Marrett Road is the recommended location. Mutual aid with Winchester is recommended. This will be especially valuable when Winchester Drive is finished. One Winchester station would then have quick access to Sun Valley in Lexington. Right now the south side of Lexington (Concord Avenue, Five Fields, Route 2) • is not well covered. New Worthen Road has not turned out to be as helpful as expected because the bad corner at Worthen Road and Massachusetts Avenue forces the engine to stop and then it is difficult to get up any speed for the hill on Lincoln Street or Massachusetts Avenue. The possibility of moving the traffic lights by the center Fire Station on Bedford Street nearer the new First National and of placing a new traffic light at the Massachusetts Avenue - Worthen Road corner was discussed. The Selectmen are to be asked about this. A letter has been sent to the Department of Public Works by the Board of Fire Commissioners. Mr. Brown asked the Fire Commissioners why they felt it more important to replace Engine #3 before replacing the ladder truck. The answer -- the department needs a third good engine for the new station. Mr. Brown said if there was no new station, what about putting the ladder truck in 1958 and Engine #3 in 1959? Answer. The new station is vital. With it zone-type assignments are possible. Now the town has piece-type assignments,i.e., split -- equipment goes out from both stations no matter where the fire is located. There is a mutual assist from Arlington on second call for certain buildings (Junior High School, the Old Belfry Club, Hancock School and others). The old ladder is safe up to about 50 feet -- but beyond that they are not sure. The Drill Tower requested for 1960 at a cost of $12,000 was discussed. The Commissioners explained that by then the town will have a larger force and more drill work will be necessary. Ladder work is more important with big buildings. The firemen now use a barn for practice. Mr Brown asked how much is the ladder used now and is this use increasing or decreasing?" There was no definite record immediately available for reference on these statistics. Mr Brown pointed out that most new buildings and homes in town are not very high. Apparently this is the least important item. A Radio Station is requested for 1960 at a cost of $2,500. Right now the Lexington Police, Fire and Public Works all use the same station frequency. Naturally there is some mutual interference. The Commissioners think that if the town grows and the police use the radio more it may be necessary for the Fire Department to have their own; Cap. Exp. Committee and Fire Commissioners (cont.) page 3 they could use the present equipment on the new frequency. However, a present federal rule states that the Lexington Fire Department must combine with the fire departments of two other towns on the same frequency (as there are not enough frequencies for each to have one of their own) and this would be a drawback. The Capital Expenditures Committee seemed to feel that unless this rule changes, it is probably better to stay as is -- unless there is a great increase of radio use by the police. Fifteen sets on the same frequency are allowed. Lexington frequency now - 57.63 kilocycles. It was pointed out that with two different frequencies the police and fire departments are not in contact. This is not wanted now by the Fire Commissioners. However, the future need is indefinite and M1 si!f!. (.pS-L kii L44 idakagiste .4.111 4 1,1 eA4d...d/.�at. .1.6a.w.iL . .L..wh. IJ. Bxfl this might be needed some time. Lexington might combine with other mutual aid towns so the fire departments would be on the same frequency. The replacement of Engine #4 in:a0 at a cost of $12,000 was discussed, This request might be moved ahead if the unexpected happened (a sudden collapse or communica- tions change as above). The present #4 does not have interchangeable parts. Engine #5 is mainly a hose wagon but can be used as a substitute. Generally a piece of fire equipment lasts for 20 years. The Fire Commissioners pointed out that the Fire Department needs more man power whether or not the new station is built. It is easy to hire good personnel for the Fire Department as it has such a good reputation and fine spirit. They also pointed out that the new station means quicker access to certain spots in town. The meeting ended with a guided tour through the station.