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fdim1_120A $2.3 million addition to the Lansing Fire Department's Central Station is slowly making progress according to Fire Commissioner Jeff Walters.  Walters reported that Ashley McGraw Architects P.C. is nearing the end of approving contractor bids for the project. 

Low bidders that have been approved include  HMI Mechanical at $181,700 for mechanical work, Knap Electric for electrical work totalling $77,454, and Unified Mechanical who bid $107,077 to install plumbing.  TC Miller will be doing the site work.

The low bidding general contractor was rejected after the background check proved problematic.  They were given the opportunity to withdraw their bid, but didn't do so.  Commissioners say that second lowest bidder Diamond & Thiel's bid was only $5,000 above the low bid and so far the company is checking out OK.

The architect has reviewed the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing bids for the Central Station addition.  The scope of the bid is matched to the project, references are checked,and the bid is confirmed via telephone.  Commissioners then approve the choices.  Once approved final forms and legal checks will be completed and contracts signed.

fdim1_commissionersFire Commisioners (left to right) Larry Creighton, Mike Day, Robert Wagner, Jeff Walters, and Alvin Parker holding a rendering depicting the finished project

The project includes 300 square foot, one story plan that will add an additional equipment bay so that emergency vehicles won't have to be shuffled to get them on the road in emergencies, a decontamination room, emergency medical storage, and space for up to eight live-in firefighters.  Voters approved the project in September, 2009 99-69.  The project will be the first major construction done on the station since it was built 30 years ago.

Walters noted that the grounds behind the fire station will be fenced off to park construction equipment and supplies this summer.  He recommended that the commissioners send a letter to the Lansing Fire Department saying that the property won't be available for the annual May carnival.  There was some discussion about using the space behind the construction area, but legal and liability considerations make that impractical.

Commissioner Chair Robert Wagner noted that the department is under contract with the company that provides rides, games, and refreshments for the carnival each year.  He said that the department may either find another location for this year's carnival or negotiate something with the company.

Walters estimated that construction will start around April.

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