Board approves fire station design study

BUCKFIELD —  A design study on renovation vs. new construction of the town's fire station is set to go forward and voters may get a look at options and cost estimates by town meeting in June.

At its February 5 meeting, the board of selectmen unanimously approved a $8,500 bid, plus up to $680 in expenses, from Portland-based Port City Architects for preliminary project designs and cost estimates.

According to Town Manager Dana Lee, the firm would reimburse the town $4,000 if it went ahead with renovation or construction.

Oxford-based Building Solutions Group LLC, submitted a bid for $17,500 plus $2,000 in expenses for the same project.

Andy Hyland, a representative from Port City, told the board the firm could present the town with preliminary floor plans, designs and cost estimates.

Hyland said Port City had experience working with municipalities and would present the town with designs that fit into what they could afford.

It would also work with the town to identify priorities for the possible building, like energy efficiency, square footage or building materials.

Port City was particularly interested in working with local construction firms and retailers if the project was to go forward, Hyland said.

According to Port City's website, the firm has designed fire stations for Saco, Falmouth and Rumford.

Lee said accepting Port City's bid could really move the project forward.

Board members voted unanimously to approve Port City's bid. Designs could be ready to present to voters by the annual town meeting in June.

There have long been plans to address the condition of the town's aging fire-rescue station. Members of Buckfield Fire-Rescue say the building is poorly ventilated, structurally unsound and too small.

Last October, a building study task force mainly made up of fire-rescue personnel recommended new construction over renovation.

Less than a month later, selectmen requested another study on the feasibility of renovation in order to give voters different options for the plan at town meeting.