Millwood Matters

Though still a draft, needs report will go public
July 4, 2007
by Gene Nadel

The imminent web site posting of JLN Associates most recent draft of their Millwood Fire District Needs Assessment Study is expected to provide the public with useful information. BOFC Chairman Anthony Olenik announced that a medical emergency had prevented the consultant, John L. Nickerson, from arranging a final meeting with the Board to clarify certain items in the report, but that it would be published nevertheless.

The draft report will appear on the Board’s web site www.millwoodfiredistrict.org.

Earlier, Commissioner Fred Scheier, Public Relations Chair for the Board, had issued the following statement:
“The Millwood Fire District Needs Assessment 2nd Draft provided by JLN Associates has been reviewed by the Fire District Board and comments have been returned. The only significant open items are:

1. Breakdown of the 5,255 SF of “Apparatus Floor” (page 70).
2. Brief explanation as to the need for a second breakout room.

Commissioners Hala Makowska, Angelo Indusi , and I are of the opinion that with these clarifications the report is in final form. Once this final version is received, the next step is for JLN to present it to the Board in a public meeting. We would like this presentation to take place on or before the July 28th monthly public board meeting, preferably before, if possible.

Another ‘critical path’ task is to get a ‘Cost benefit analysis’ regarding Drive Thru Bays. This should detail additional costs for the various drive Thru Bay Scenarios, vs “back in” bays, and detail the anticipated savings of these drive thru bays. Savings will be in the form of estimated reduction in property damage and personal injury as well as any insurance coverage savings.

The completed Needs Study combined with the Drive Thru Bay Cost benefit will allow the Board to decide upon the new building program.”

Presumably, by next week’s issue, there will be a good deal more to talk about.

Millwood Task Force Meeting next Thursday, July 10th

Reminder - The regular monthly meeting of the MTF (postponed from its usual first Thursday because of the conflict with the holiday) will take place this coming Thursday, July 10th at 8:00 pm at Fire station #2 on Route 134. In addition to discussion on the Fire District report, various Planning Board actions and many other matters of current interest are on the agenda. As always, the public is welcome to attend.