The Cedar firehall needs between $300,000 and $5.7 million in improvements.
This according to a recent assessment by Cunningham-Limp, of Traverse City and Novi.
Ten years ago this month Cedar Area Fire & Rescue was formed by four townships — Centerville and Solon townships — who previously jointly operated the Cedar Fire Department with Cleveland and Kasson townships contracting for services.
After organizing, the cost of operating the department has been split among the four townships. Each township also sets aside about $30,000 a year toward future equipment purchases. However, Centerville and Solon townships retain ownership of the hall, right in the heart of Cedar. The two “owners” of the facility paid for renovations to the hall in 2017 to provide lodging to staff as the department went to Advanced Life Support offering service 24/7. But options are limited due to poor drainage on site.
The study, sought by the governing Cedar Area Fire & Rescue, comes after Kasson Township voters turned down a $6 million bond proposal for construction of a new fire station near the intersection of M-72 and Maple City Road.
The consultants divided improvements into mild renovation; heavy renovation and new construction categories.
“The station has developed incrementally over several decades. Original construction dates to the 1950s, with subsequent additions in 1994 and 2017,” the report stated. “While the station remains operational and continues to meet basic functional requirements, the cumulative effects of aging infrastructure, intensive use, evolving building codes, updated safety … have resulted in a range of deficiencies.”
Mild renovation would include: localized concrete and floor drain repairs; limited sealing or coating for apparatus bay floors; minor electrical upgrades and localize repairs to address active water intrusion.
Cost range for planning purposes was put at between $300,000 and $600,000.
“The condition of the apparatus bay floors represents the most significant concern within the facility,” the assessment report stated. “Concrete surrounding the drain grates is deteriorated, creating tripping hazards for both personnel and visitors … the floor is unsealed, allowing oils, fuels and other contaminants to penetrate the concrete.”
There are no systems to capture, treat or separate water, oil, sand and other contaminants generated by vehicle washing, snowmelt, and routine operations.
A heavy renovation scenario builds on the previous plan and calls for replacement of the bay floor, with proper drainage and separation systems; installation of vehicle exhaust capture and removal systems; expanded electrical upgrades to support modern apparatus and equipment; and interior renovations and addition to improve living spaces. Cost range for planning purposes: $4.5 to $5 million.
New construction would provide a comprehensive solution to all findings in the assessment.
“A purpose-built facility allows the department to meet current codes, and best practices without the constraints of the existing structure,” the report states.
Cost of the new construction is estimated at between $5.2 and $5.7 million.
