The Select Board and building committee discussed Article 19, a warrant article seeking funding for repairs, renovations and an expansion of the Town of Hampden fire station.

Presenters described a project scope developed after an RFQ and architectural work drawing on a 2020 needs assessment. The construction estimate provided to the board totaled about $7.9 million; that total includes an owner contingency (about 7%) and soft costs (about 15%), plus estimates for required professional services such as an owner’s project manager. Presenters said the estimate reflects current construction prices and noted the project would not start immediately even if voters approve funding; the committee expects to add escalation allowances because bidding and start dates could be a year or more in the future.

Key elements described in the plan include a larger equipment bay to accommodate modern apparatus, separate clean/dirty zones for firefighter turnout gear to reduce contaminant exposures, improved decontamination facilities, upgraded bathrooms, and upgrades to building systems and structural elements. Presenters emphasized prioritizing firefighter health (decontamination and exhaust systems) and spatial deficiencies that affect operations.

Board members asked about contingencies and cost-control measures; presenters said the $7.9 million figure currently includes a 7% owner contingency and a 15% soft-cost allowance but that final numbers will be refined through the design, owner’s project manager and bidding process. The board also discussed outreach: if Town Meeting approves the article the project team plans public information sessions, open houses and presentations to explain plans and timelines to residents.

Ending: The fire-station article will be presented to voters at the May 12 Town Meeting; if approved, the town would proceed to hire an owner’s project manager, finalize drawings and then bid the work. The board said it will provide more detailed drawings, renderings and cost information before Town Meeting and hold public outreach sessions.