Greenfield allocates funds for emergency generator, bay doors and design work for seismic retrofit at fire station

Greenfield — After a needs assessment presented by Fire Chief Jim Langborg and architect Joe Slack, the City Council on March 26 approved a targeted supplemental appropriation to address urgent operational and seismic risks at the city’s fire station.

Chief Langborg summarized immediate needs identified in the assessment: a functioning emergency generator and transfer switch (the city previously won a FEMA generator grant but procurement will take time), replacement or repair of inoperable apparatus bay doors (five of seven were described as non‑functional), and a seismic retrofit to protect apparatus and maintain operability after a major seismic event.

The council approved $320,009.39 to obtain a temporary trailer‑mounted generator (while federal procurement proceeds), complete the necessary electrical transfer work, and repair or replace critical bay doors so vehicles can enter and exit reliably. Council also approved a city contribution equal to 10% of the engineer’s seismic retrofit estimate to begin design work on strengthening the apparatus bay — a project estimated at roughly $1.5–1.6 million. Chief Langborg said a FEMA resiliency grant application has been submitted for the seismic work and would require a 10% local match if awarded.

Why it matters: The fire station is an essential‑services building; failure of bay doors or building damage in a seismic event could prevent emergency response or damage apparatus. The assessment noted the apparatus bays are structurally separated from administrative areas and can be retrofitted independently, making an incremental approach feasible.

What’s next: Staff will begin procurement for temporary generator and bay‑door work and return with design and grant updates for the seismic retrofit. Council also discussed creating an ad hoc committee or study sessions to shape longer‑term station planning.

Representative quotes: "Of the 7 doors currently, 5 are not working," Chief Langborg said. Architect Joe Slack added: "The apparatus bays are not strengthened like they should be to resist a major event."