The Cornwall-on-Hudson firehouse has been in need of repairs for years but has been deemed safe to use by the village’s engineers. The bay floor is settling, there are cracks in the concrete, among other issues in the basement and the upper level.

During the March 10 work Village Board work session, the Board of Trustees discussed a proposal to repair the fissures in the concrete, some of which Mayor James Gagliano described as large enough to put a hand through. The $60,000 quote entails using a product manufactured by Simpson Strong Ties and work would entail grinding every other row where the cracks are, 20 inches on either side, filling the cracks, and then grouting over them.

Department of Public Works Superintendent David Halvorsen said he had not had a chance to review the proposal or speak to the village’s engineer, but the board is expected to be ready to approve the emergency repair at the March 24 business meeting. Funding to pay for the work is expected to come out of the fire department’s maintenance line.

Also pertaining to the COHFD, the board had a follow-up discussion regarding the proposal presented last month to create a capital reserve for the future replacement of fire apparatus. Gagliano recommended an initial investment of $500,000 with an additional $100,000 to come out of the fund balance annually.

Deputy Mayor James Kane questioned whether that money set aside could be taken out at any time, should the village find itself in need of emergency funding. An answer is expected at the next meeting. He also added he’d like to see money being set aside for building repairs as well.

Assistant Chief Michael Trainor said the department, along with the Board of Fire Commissioners, could put together a plan similar to the one presented for the apparatus replacement. The idea behind the capital reserve is to save money for a down payment with the remainder of the purchase being bonded.
And in one other matter, it was noted that several years ago the state required fire departments to issue bailout equipment to firefighters in case they become trapped and need to escape through a window. Training is required once a year.
Typically, the department would use the training center in Vails Gate but availability has been limited due to the construction of a new firehouse. A number of fire departments have built their own training prop indoors. The COHFD has done that, but it needs to be inspected by the Code Enforcement Officer.

In other matters of business from last week’s meeting:
Insurance. The mayor reported the Reis Group’s proposal for insurance for the village and fire department will be increasing for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The village’s insurance will total $184,059.89 for an increase of over 14 percent while the fire department’s insurance will cost $26,548, an increase of $42. The general liability deductible increased from nothing to $5,000 while the deductible for auto increased from $1,000 to $2,500. Insurance premiums increased across the board and the budget allowed for a 15 percent increase.

Mowers. The board authorized the purchase of two mowers, one for the Department of Public Works and the other for the Water Department. Halvorsen said the DPW has two zero-turn mowers, but the one purchased in 2008 took on water during Hurricane Irene. The department has kept it together, but it’s no longer viable. He sought authorization to purchase a zero-turn Bobcat mower, the same model as the one the department currently has to parts would be interchangeable, at a cost of $11,800. The Water Department has one mower and has been borrowing from the DPW to maintain areas around the filtration plants, but Superintendent Michael Trainor said it would be easier if his department could purchase another one. His recommendation was another Gravely, at a cost of $15,000. He said the price tag is higher because it comes equipped with a bagger system. The water facilities are surrounded by trees and a bagger system will help clear leaves while mowing.

Burn ban. A dry winter led Governor Kathy Hochul to institute a burn ban earlier than usual. While small fires are okay in fire pits, open burning of brush is prohibited until May 14.