Madison Firehouse Expansion Nears Completion As Officials Address Final Construction Issues

MADISON, CT — Madison's emergency operations center and firehouse expansion project is nearing substantial completion, with several construction items remaining before the town can receive final approvals, officials said Thursday.

During the Oct. 8 meeting of the Ad Hoc Emergency Operations Center-Fire House Expansion Building Committee, Ben Whittaker, the town's director of construction and planning, reported that three outstanding items were holding up the certificate of occupancy and substantial completion: a rooftop deck handrail, finalization of the septic leach field and completion of the front apron.

The handrail was expected to be installed this week, while septic leach field work was scheduled for Friday.

Work on the front apron was delayed after utility crews failed to arrive on Tuesday as scheduled to relocate conduit beneath the area, according to officials. Munger Construction temporarily filled in the apron to accommodate a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Thursday.

Whittaker reported that several major components of the project had been completed. The elevator passed inspection, the fire alarm and sprinkler systems were tested and operational, and the correct kitchen cabinets were installed.

The septic pump chamber also was installed and wired.

Activu, the company working on the facility's technology systems, had been on-site since Tuesday night troubleshooting equipment and bringing the system online. Final sign-off was expected Thursday.

Additional work remains on the existing epoxy flooring in the firehouse bays, the front pilaster, replacement masonry, a fire-rated window in a bay, stairwell heating, sealing of the rear stairs and installation of the front door, which must wait until the apron is completed.

Training, equipment turnover and other punch-list items also remain outstanding.

Whittaker reported no changes to the project's financial status since the committee's previous meeting.

Flooring And Restroom Issues Discussed

Representatives of Munger Construction told the committee that a specialty data center cleaning company was scheduled to clean the server room on Oct. 13.

The contractor identified completion of the detailed punch list and restroom work as priorities. Achieving the proper slopes in the flooring has presented challenges.

Work on the existing epoxy flooring in the firehouse bays will begin after equipment can be moved into the new bays.

The contractor plans to patch the flooring with gray epoxy first. Madison Hose Co. No. 1 will then determine whether the repairs are acceptable or whether a larger section must be addressed.

Committee member Travis Gulick, representing Madison Hose Co. No. 1, also raised the issue of flooring in the lower restroom.

The committee agreed to replace the planned tile flooring with epoxy, extending the red floor color into the restroom.

Radio Relocation Planned For Next Week

Sam DeBurra, Madison's director of emergency services, reported that radio equipment was scheduled to be moved during the week of Oct. 12, depending on weather conditions.

The committee did not establish a final completion date during the meeting.

Earlier in the session, members unanimously approved the minutes of their Sept. 24 meeting.