Concerns: Differences noted
Polk County commissioners listened to multiple problems alleged at Copper Basin Fire Department (CBFD) stations prior to the regular commission meeting Thursday, November 21.
Then, in their regular meeting, commissioners unanimously approved $40,000 for County Executive Robby Hatcher to use in addressing the situations and others involving county owned buildings.
Hatcher assured the commissioners he would be asking for more funding but would first be reviewing needs across the county.
When questioned why he didn’t ask for more funding, Hatcher repeated several times, “this is not a one-and-done” situation.
Fire department representatives from both sides of the county gave updates during a workshop before the regular commission meeting.
Chief Marty Senterfitt and board members Eve Wilmont, Brett Walls and Valerie Smith presented a 15-page report of the CBFD needs. The three board members described themselves as residents of the Campbell Cove area, many of whom became concerned when a fire threatened one of their neighbors. They made mention of a “voting block.”
Senterfitt referenced water leaks, sagging roofs and a door that could not be opened at one station. He said there is “bad wiring and lots of water leaks” in locations. The more serious concerns were laid out in a report and centered on stations in Grassy Creek, Stansbury/ Isabella and the main station at the Copper Basin Community Center.
The only West Polk need noted was the condition of the roof at the main fire station.
Commissiners agreed with the seriousness of the situations they were shown and mentioned other county needs before approving Hatcher’s $40,000 request to begin various repairs.
Friday, after visiting the Basin fire stations, Hatcher provided several videos showing what he, Senterfitt, and county maintenance man Ben Branam found. Hatcher said necessary repairs could be made “for much less” than originally anticipated. Hatcher later described what was seen on some of those videos.
According to the CBFD report, the Grassy Creek station had been taken out of service due to the garage door being inoperable.
However, the door had previously been repaired and was “much easier” to lift.
Hatcher said he did recommend a chain assist be added. Also, what appeared to be a new, 25-foot door for the station was laying outside the building, partially covered by leaves and other debris.
During the meeting, Commissioner Samantha Trantham asked if trucks were located in the three stations of concern. She was told trucks were housed in all but the Grassy Creek station. A video shows no truck in the Stansbury/Isabella station.
During a walk-through of the fire department facility at the Copper Basin Community Center, Hatcher explained to the chief that all the concerns are to be addressed during the rehabilitation of the facility.
Currently, the asbestos abatement has been completed and contractors will begin their work on wiring, plumbing and interior needs.