• Construction will begin this summer on a new concrete apron in front of the Groton Fire Hall. Kampa Construction was awarded the contract at the Fireboard meeting on Monday evening. Kampa will do the work to install a new 100 foot by 20 foot concrete apron along the front of the fire hall to replace the old apron which is falling apart. Two other companies also submitted proposals.
• It was also suggested by the city of Groton that the water valve under the apron be replaced or moved while the construction is being done. While the cost of the replacement is normally paid by the property owner (the City owns the property) the board will pay the expense to replace the valve. The cost of a new valve and installation will run about $900 to $1000.
• The Bath Station trucks have all been worked into the maintenance schedule and been looked over. There are a few issues to still be worked out. The main fire engine does not have working window wipers. The motors that run the wipers are shot and obsolete. It was suggested that the area salvage yards be checked.
• The pumper has an airbag out in the back axle. This is what lifts and lowers the back axle and will need to be replaced. The station is also lacking in water hoses. The board passed a motion to spend up to $2000 in hoses to get started on the replacement. In order to be considered a fire engine, the truck must carry a minimum of 1200 feet of 1.5 inch hose and 900 feet of 2 inch hose.
• The last part of getting Bath up to standards is making sure all the firefighters are properly geared up. The board authorized another $2000 for wild land and structure gear. Some of the guys need full gear and some only need a few pieces.
• The bad news of the night was that Groton lost out on both the 50/50 grant and the FEMA grants. Due to cut backs in funds, the 50/50 grant has gone to a point

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