East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY-Construction progress is being made on the new Fire Station after experiencing delays. In the past month, forms were built and cement poured giving the first glimmer of a building being erected. Fire Commissioners are still facing construction change orders and the task of making more decisions as the need arises.

As construction has proceeded, contractor Wellens Farwell informed Commissioners of numerous errors and omissions in the plans. Engineer Dan Wambeke, has not been responsive to requests for consultation, disussion indicated.

As change orders continue, so do added expenses. At the October 8, 2019 Commissioners' meeting motion light sensors for both bays and replacement light switcheswere approved for $3,131. Utility installation costs of $9,950 are the Fire District's responsibility. The City will then take responsibility for maintenance from the meter to the main.

A change to the original plans is required for extending the concrete wall between the old fire station building and the new building, because it was discovered that dirt will need to be filled in between the buildings. That will cause an increased cost of $25,144. Some extended shoring is also necessary, which will cost an additional $17,687.

A storm water drain was left out of the original plans. The commissioners were made aware of this fact at the September meeting for the Fire District, at which time an estimate was not available. That cost is now estimated to be $4,422, which was approved at the October meeting. Also discussed at the September meeting was the need to rent a special piece of equipment called a "breaker" to allow excavation of the site where the construction company had encountered the extremely hard dirt. The commissioners agreed to pay the cost of the rental directly, which resulted in an expense of $10,480, as well as an additional $2,355 for the breaker operator.

-Submitted photo

Another addition to the construction was proposed by Commissioner Terry John, who asked for approval of a new flagpole. Because installation of the base for the flagpole would be much easier while construction is ongoing, John submitted his request at the October meeting. Fire Chief Kris Darby had an estimate from the Liberty Flagpole Company for $2,397.60, which includes a 30-foot pole, gold eagle cap, solar light disc, and a flag. The installation of the base to be added to the construction, as well as the purchase of the flagpole, were approved by the commissioners. The base will cost an additional $357 to the construction, and the Fire District plans to erect the pole themselves.

Dispensation of the ambulance sheds at the hospital was discussed.which one was funded and built by the Fire District. A second ambulance shed used by the Fire District, is owned by the Hospital District. Once the new fire station is completed, the ambulances will be moved to the old fire station building. Darby proposed to surplus the Fire District-owned shed to the hospital at a minimal cost. The commissioners agreed and approved his proposal.