1. Avon Volunteer Fire Department
2017 – 2018
Capital Improvement Presentation
Proposal to Town Council
December 1, 2016

2. Avon Volunteer Fire Department Rationale for Capital Requests
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department must have the ability to achieve the mission of our organization. By achieving the core actions in our mission statement, below, the AVFD is able to contribute significantly in reducing the level of risk for the Town of Avon and most importantly for the residents within our community.
Life Safety
Fire Prevention
Fire Suppression
Rescue Support
Other Emergency Services supporting town residents
Without the essential funding for equipment, training, and facilities that the Avon Volunteer Fire Department requires to fulfill its mission; the community is accepting an unknown level of risk. The risk that the required level of protection within our community, at times, may not be adequate and in line with the AVFD and community expectations.
The AVFD will continue to monitor the bigger picture and as the needs of our community changes, we will refine our department mission statement to support those changes.
Fire Apparatus Replacement Approved Balance = $600,000 (FY 2012/13 = $200K, FY 2013/14 = $200K, FY 2014/15 = $400K)
Training Facility Fundraising = $400,000 out of $500,000 Avon Commitment

3. Avon Volunteer Fire Department Summary of 2017/2018 Capital Requests
Fire Apparatus Replacement $
550,000
New Fire Station/Facility Study
25,000
Fire Station Facility Improvements
100,000
4. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Total:
775,000
Updated 11/7/2014

4. Fire Apparatus Replacement
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Capital Requests
Fire Apparatus Replacement

5. NFPA 1901: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2009 Edition)
“ Because the changes, upgrades, and fine tuning to NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, have been truly significant, especially in the area of safety, fire departments should seriously consider the value (or risk) to fire fighters of keeping fire apparatus older than 15 years in first-line service.”
“It is recommended that apparatus greater than 15 years old that have been properly maintained and that are still in serviceable condition be placed in reserve status and upgraded in accordance with NFPA 1912, Standard for Fire Apparatus Refurbishing, to incorporate as many features as possible of the current fire apparatus standard.”
“Apparatus that were not manufactured to the applicable NFPA fire apparatus standards or that are over 25 years old should be replaced.”
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) establishes guidelines and standards for the fire service.
The NFPA is the universal resource for establishing fire fighter and fire service competencies.
Other agencies, including OSHA, routinely hold fire departments to the standards outlined by the NFPA.
NFPA 1901 provides specific guidelines regarding fire apparatus to ensure the safety of fire personnel.
The key elements outlined in NFPA 1901 include their recommendation that major apparatus greater than 15 years old be placed in reserve status and apparatus over 25 years old be replaced.
Source: NFPA 1901, Annex D Guidelines for First-Line and Reserve Fire Apparatus, D.1 General ( ).

6. Fire Apparatus Replacement Other Considerations for Determining Useful Life
Vehicle mileage
Engine hours
Quality of the preventative maintenance
Quality of the driver training programs
Whether the apparatus was manufactured on a custom or commercial chassis
Quality of the components used
Availability of replacement parts
The age of the apparatus is not the only factor to be considered when assessing the need for replacement.
NFPA outlines some of the additional factors that also need to be considered.
In addition to the items listed on this slide, the cost of unplanned repairs should also be a consideration and is one that we use to help prioritize replacement (see next slide)
Source: NFPA 1901, Annex D Guidelines for First-Line and Reserve Fire Apparatus, D.2 How the Standards have Changed ( ).

7. Fire Apparatus Replacement Considerations for 2017/2018 Budget and Beyond
Reaffirm Authorization of $550,000 in 2017/2018 budget year
Continued planning and annual funding of apparatus replacement scheduled through fiscal year 2029/2030
Adoption of a 20-year replacement policy for apparatus after all equipment in current fleet have been replaced
Offers more consistent, reliable long-term replacement plan
Is more conservative than the NFPA standard of 15 years for front-line responding units
Annual “allowance” in today’s dollars for future apparatus replacement estimated to be $350,000 per year (beginning in fiscal year 2027/2028)
AVFD will maintain and manage the developed apparatus replacement schedule
Based on these factors, we are requesting $450,000 for fire apparatus replacement for the 2015/2016 budget cycle.
We would also like for you to consider adopting a 20-year replacement policy for apparatus, including provisions for an annual truck allowance to support the timely replacement of apparatus.

8. Proposed Fire Station & Existing Fire Station Assessment
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Capital Requests
After the replacement of our apparatus, our next priority is the replacement of the Secret Lake fire house and the potential renovation of our other stations to better meet the needs of Avon.
Proposed Fire Station & Existing Fire Station Assessment 7

9. Fire Station Assessment Limitations of Current Company 2 Fire Station
Secret Lake Road
Narrow, privately owned road not maintained by the Town
Significant rainfall can cause Secret Lake to flow over the road making the fire house inaccessible from the Avon side
Speed control measures in neighborhood impede response time for personnel going to and apparatus leaving the fire house
Responding apparatus must come to a complete stop before each speed hump before proceeding over at mph
It’s not just the distance from main roads that is a limitation of Company 2.
The very street it is on, is not ideal conditions for fire service response in or out of the neighborhood.
The road is windy, narrow and prone to flooding.
It is not unusual for Secret Lake to overflow its banks during significant rainstorms. With enough rain, Secret Lake Road can be blocked and access to the Fire House for responding personnel can only be made from route 44 in Canton.
Additionally, due to neighborhood concerns that the street is used as a shortcut to avoid traffic on 44, four speed humps (3 south of the fire station, 1 to the north) were installed to deter unwanted traffic.
Unfortunately, these speed control measures also reduces response time to and from this station.

10. Fire Station Assessment Limitations of Current Company 2 Fire Station
(continued)
Secret Lake Road
For those not familiar with Secret Lake Road, here are a few more views.
As you can see, the road is narrow – and yes, that is another speed hump in the upper right picture.

11. Fire Station Assessment Limitations of Current Company 2 Fire Station
(continued)
Secret Lake Road
As mentioned before, significant rainfall can make Secret Lake Road impassable.
While this picture references Storm Irene, it does not require a tropical storm for this much water to accumulate in the area.
Much smaller storms have had similar impact requiring the closure of Secret Lake Road.
Water covering Secret Lake Road during Tropical Storm Irene
Photo Credit: Secret Lake Association Facebook Page. August, 2011

12. Fire Station Assessment Limitations of Current Company 2 Fire Station
(continued)
Fire house size
Too small to accommodate modern apparatus
Example:
Aside from the physical location of Company 2, the fire station itself is yet another limitation.
The fire house is simply too small to accommodate modern fire apparatus.
It is actually more costly to design a small, custom engine (like Engine 10) to fit into Company 2 than to purchase a standard sized fire apparatus.
The new Engine 7 is 7 inches too long to fit into Company 2.
New Engine 7 – 32’7” Long
Company 4 Bay Length – 36’ Long
Company 2 Bay Length – 32’ Long

13. Fire Station Assessment Limitations of Current Company 2 Fire Station
(continued)
Fire house size
Too small to accommodate modern apparatus
Example:
Company 4 Bay Opening
11’ High*
New Engine 7
10’7” High
Company 2 Bay Opening
9’7” High
The bay opening at Company 2 is wide enough to accommodate the new Engine 7 (barely – even with current Engine 10, drivers must be careful to perfectly center the apparatus in the bay when backing in and check that neither of their side mirrors will hit the wall on either side of the bay door)
While the station could accommodate the width, it cannot accommodate the height of a standard fire engine.
New Engine 7
8’4” Wide
* The current bay opening at Company 4 is only 10 feet high, but there are 2 feet between the top of the door and the ceiling which will allow for an expansion of the bay opening.
With only 14 inches between the top of the door and the ceiling at Company 2, the door opening cannot be changed.
Company 4 Bay
11’11” Wide
Company 2 Bay
10’7” Wide

14. Fire Station Improvements
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Capital Requests
After the replacement of our apparatus, our next priority is the replacement of the Secret Lake fire house and the potential renovation of our other stations to better meet the needs of Avon.
Fire Station Improvements 13

15. Fire Station Improvements Facility Upgrades and Maintenance
Due to the age of the fire house facilities, many significant repairs and/or replacements will be necessary to maintain the firehouses in the coming years:
Total estimated cost for facility maintenance: TBD
Facility
Age (Years)
Upgrades/Maintenance
Company 1 (Darling Drive) 38
Replacement of 10 original windows on the main level
Replace boiler/furnace
Replace exterior concrete steps
Remove wall length glass in rear of building; insulate and add windows
Company 2 (Secret Lake)
50+
Roof replacement
Outside drainage
All of our fire stations are aging and are in need of renovation.
The needs of the department have changed and the existing stations do not provide enough office space or storage.
The full cost associated with renovating the fire stations is not completely known at this time and requires more thorough analysis of our needs, and the future needs of the Department.
*Can defer or avoid some upgrades to Company 2 if a replacement fire station is approved.

16. Fire Station Improvements Facility Upgrades and Maintenance
Due to the age of the fire house facilities, many significant repairs and/or replacements will be necessary to maintain the firehouses in the coming years:
Total estimated cost for facility maintenance: TBD
Facility
Age (Years)
Upgrades/Maintenance
Company 3 (W. Avon Road) 43
Replace boiler/furnace
Apparatus ventilation system
Company 4 (Huckleberry Hill)
Lower level cooling system
Water intrusion
Roof replacement
All of our fire stations are aging and are in need of renovation.
The needs of the department have changed and the existing stations do not provide enough office space or storage.
The full cost associated with renovating the fire stations is not completely known at this time and requires more thorough analysis of our needs, and the future needs of the Department.
*Can defer or avoid some upgrades to Company 2 if a replacement fire station is approved.

17. Fire Station Improvements Considerations for 2017/2018 Budget
While the fire station building committee is being established, approve $100,000 to begin work on maintenance and/or upgrades at the existing fire stations.
All of our fire stations are aging and are in need of renovation.
The needs of the department have changed and the existing stations do not provide enough office space or storage.
The full cost associated with renovating the fire stations is not completely known at this time and requires more thorough analysis of our needs, and the future needs of the Department.
Focus improvements at Company 1, 3 and 4 until decision on replacement of Company 2 has been made.

18. Fire Service Equipment
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Long Term Projects
In addition to the 4 specific capital request items we have discussed with you, we’d also like to bring to your attention some additional capital expenditures that will be needed in the coming years.
Fire Service Equipment

19. Fire Service Infrastructure and Equipment Long Term Projects
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Purchased all new respiratory protection in 2005
Required to replace 183 SCBA cylinders FY 2019/ through through FY 2021/2022
“All composite SCBA cylinders have a maximum service life of 15 years, provided they are hydrostatically re-tested on a regular basis in accordance with DOT regulations.
At the end of the 15 year service life, composite cylinders must be removed from service and destroyed (to ensure that they cannot be used again).”
Planning to replace cylinders and entire respiratory protection system (air packs)
Estimated replacement cost: $1,095,000
In 2005, we purchased all new respiratory protection.
We will be required to replace all of the cylinders purchased in 2005 beginning in 2019.
Given that the SCBA will be 15 years old at this time, we are also planning to once again replace all of the SCBA within the department.
We are not asking for any capital allocations for this particular project at this time, but wanted you to be aware of this expense that will be requested in the coming years.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration Special Report: Prevention of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Failures, Nov 2001.

20. On behalf of our members, Thank you for your continued support
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Capital Requests
Therefore, on behalf of all of our members, we would like to thank you for your time this evening and for hearing our requests.
We hope that we have provided sufficient information for you to make an informed decision regarding our requests, but if you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact myself or Chief Trick.
Thank you.
NOTE: The remaining slides are for reference only and it is not intended for you to present any of this information to the Town Council at Thursday’s meeting.
On behalf of our members, Thank you for your continued support

21. Avon Volunteer Fire Department Capital Requests
Appendix

22. Fire Apparatus Replacement Schedule
Major
Apparatus
Response Type
Model Year
Recommended Replacement (NFPA)
Planned Replacement
Rescue 8
Primary
1988
2003
2018
Engine 9
Reserve
1993
2008
Tanker 5
1996
2011
2021
Engine 10 (2)
2001
2016/2021
2025
Engine 14
2016
Ladder 12
2029
Engine 11
2015
2030
2040
Engine 7
2031

23. Fire Apparatus Replacement Schedule
Support
Apparatus
Response Type
Model Year
Suggested Replacement
Planned Replacement
Truck 6
Fire Police
1989
2004
immediate
Truck 16
1995
2010
2017
Truck 17
Training
2015
2030
Brush 15
Brush Truck
2002
2024
Truck 18 (1)
Utility/Training
2005
2020
Car 19 (2)
Duty Officer
2007
2022
2025
Truck 17 & 18 were purchased by the AVFD Corporation but are used regularly for incident responses and to transport personnel to training in town and out-of-town.
Car 19 was purchased by the AVFD Corporation and is used regularly as the Duty Officer response vehicle.

24. Fire Apparatus – Truck 6

25. Fire Apparatus – Truck 16

26. Fire Apparatus – Brush 15

27. Fire Apparatus – Proposed All Terrain

28. Fire Apparatus – Engine 9

29. Fire Apparatus – Rescue 8

30. Proposed Fire Station & Existing Fire Station Assessment
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Capital Requests
After the replacement of our apparatus, our next priority is the replacement of the Secret Lake fire house and the potential renovation of our other stations to better meet the needs of Avon.
Proposed Fire Station & Existing Fire Station Assessment 29

31. Town of Avon Fire Protection Needs Population Growth
Percent Growth: : 32%
Projected Percent Growth for : 1%
The population of Avon has increased over 30% over the last 13 years.
While population growth has clearly stabilized, the fire protection infrastructure hasn’t changed.
Projected
Population and Household Data Source: Claritas (2000, 2010, 2013, 2018)
Data for years in between calculated utilizing the applicable Average Annual Growth Rate.

32. Town of Avon Fire Protection Needs Current Fire Station Placement
167
177
While you may be aware of where our fire houses are located in town, we wanted to provide you with some additional perspective.
This map shows the current location of our 4 fire houses.
As you can see, Company 1, Company 3 and Company 4 are located on main roads (or in close proximity to a main road) to allow for optimal access to and from the fire stations.
Company 2, in contrast, is located in a RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD nearly ¾ of a mile from Route 44 and 1 mile from Route 177 (Lovely Street)
Why is this significant? For several reasons. 10
Accessibility of Existing Fire Stations:
Company 1 (Darling Drive): Close proximity to Route 44
Company 2 (Secret Lake): Residential neighborhood
Company 3 (W. Avon Road): Direct access to Route 167
Company 4 (Huckleberry Hill): Direct access to Huckleberry Hill Road

33. Additional Facts, Figures and Analysis
Available upon request