Alexander Valley Fire Station Improvements
Improvements to the existing Alexander Valley Fire Station at Jimtown contemplated as part of the Fire District's improvement plans. The Alexander Valley Fire Station requires upgrading to accommodate staff and provide better service during periods of emergency. This project involves conducting engineering and architectural review is needed to clarify and design improvements and estimate costs. Additional funding will be needed for actual construction costs.
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Project Components & Cost Estimates.
Reroof with a metal roof; install LED lights on the outside perimeter pf building; pave along the north and south sides of the building as well as a tarmac at the east side of the building; install four new electric roll up doors; install generator with a manual switch; replace current wood framed windows with vinyl; replace siding with fire resistant hardyboard siding; rebuild well pumphouse with a metal roof and hardyboard siding; buy and install a modular bunkhouse unit to include kitchen and bathroom facilities; build a metal building to store the training apparatus that currently is housed inside the station; repaint the entire structure; and modernize the septic system. There are three components to this project:
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Design & Cost Estimating:
Considerable effort has been conducted by volunteers to scope and provide initial cost estimates for the needed improvements; however, it will be necessary to retain an architect-cost estimator to review the project scope, suggest any additional needed improvements, prepare any drawings needed for permitting purposes, and prepare up-to-date cost estimates. Budget: $10,000.
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Construction:
A local General Contractor has offered to provide general contracting services for the project. It is expected that a range of sub-contractors would be retained to complete the plan; the general contractor would also manage permitting and inspections, etc. Budget: $450,000.
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Funding Emergency Operations:
The Fire District does not have funding to expand firefighting capacity in times of emergencies. Accordingly, it is proposed that a special “emergency fund” be established that would provide for staffing the Alexander Valley Fire Station during emergency periods. Budget: $250,000.
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Work Completed To-Date.
As noted above an initial scoping of needed improvements to the Fire Station has been prepared by community volunteers working in collaboration with the Fire Chief. This effort will be the starting point for the proposed architectural and cost estimating services.
GAV-MAC approved a recommendation for $12,000 funding from the Mitigation Fund at its November 2020 meeting; the Board of Supervisors appropriated the funding in March 2021.
Engineering and architectural review completed providing the building assessment and options for brining it up to code and ability to meet District needs.
Ongoing work by the Committee and District regarding title to the property and construction options going forward
GAV-MAC approved a recommendation for an additional $50,000 from the Mitigation Fund to cover construction drawings and permitting cost at is August 2021 meeting; the Board of Supervisors appropriated the funding in November 2021.
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Project Benefits & Beneficiaries.
An improved and functional Fire Station at Jimtown will improve emergency firefighting and emergency services to the portion of the central portion of the Alexander Valley located northeast side of the Russian River, consistent with the Fire District’s comprehensive plan for fire and emergency service improvements. These improved services will reduce the risk of fire-related damage to homes, ranches, wineries and vineyards in the Alexander Valley.