Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Regular Meeting (linked)

JR RECORD
October 3, 2025
Mr. Paul Goldstein i GT -u A & 38
Moderator, Representative Town Meeting
15 Rope Ferry Road wTTEST: ) Fagen
Waterford, CT 06385
Moderator Goldstein and Members of the RTM,
Two and a half years ago in a unanimous vote, the RTM established a building
committee to replace the deteriorated Oswegatchie Fire Station. On May 2, 2023, the
building committee composed of 9 members representing townspeople, volunteer and
paid fire fighters, and Waterford governing bodies- BOS, RTM, and BOF held their first
meeting. The meetings continued at about 2-week intervals until the design was
completed.
Along the way the committee selected an architect, Silver Petrucelli Associates, and the
RTM on February 5, 2024 unanimously approved their hiring. At that same meeting, the
RTM voted to acquire the Oswegatchie Fire Station for a dollar.
At the February 3, 2025 meeting, the RTM approved funding for the architect to proceed
with creating Construction Design drawings, based upon successful completion of the
Schematic Design.
Following that, the committee selected a project manager to oversee the building
construction. On April 8, 2025 the RTM in a near unanimous vote approved the hiring of
Downes Construction, Inc. to serve that function.
On September 9, 2025, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the bonding
resolution to building the new fire station.
Following suit, on September 10, 2025, the Board of Finance unanimously approved the
same bonding resolution.
It is noteworthy and coincidental that the attendance at meetings and the voting history
of the building committee has been near unanimous as well. Support for the new
Oswegatchie Fire Station, as evidenced of the affirmative actions noted above, has
been strong and consistent.
The Committee has been dedicated and aligned in responsibly overseeing the creation
of a modest, architecturally satisfying station that is a nod to Waterford’s agrarian history
and culture. The RTM received a highly functional and appealing design for their
investment. The attached presentation is a summary of the new station highlights and
construction cost estimate.

In addition to the 9 reasons to build a new Oswegatchie Fire Stations identified in the
Fire Services Report accepted by the RTM on September 22 (attached), here are 7
more reasons to consider including:
« Maintains / \mproves first-response coverage and response times
« Existing municipal momentum and approvals already in place
« Cost efficiencies vs. buying / new site search
« Community continuity and local identity
« The site is already zoned / recognized for emergency services and has
documented infrastructure
* Compared to the public safety benefit for Waterford, the cost impact of this new
fire station on the taxpayer is relatively small and likely off-set by potential
insurance savings afforded by a decrease in the Town’s ISO rating resulting from
building the new station
* The new station is also the keystone of the vision of the new Director of Fire
Services for efficient provision of emergency services, as Waterford Fire Services
continues to evolve to meet changes in demographic and economic conditions in
the Town and the increasing shift to a fire service with a predominately paid fire-
fighting staff.
The ultimate decision to rebuild the Oswegatchie Fire Station lies with the RTM. Please
consider ail of the information provided to you over the past couple of years, and the
significance that a new fire station plays in the delivery of property and life protection by
Waterford Fire Services. On October 6, please vote in favor of the bonding resolution to
secure funding to build the new Town-owned Oswegatchie Fire Station.
Very respectfully,nl *
bert Tuneski
Chairman, Oswegatchie Building Committee

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ng Comm
ittee Background
ces Ad Hoc Committee Interim Report, January 2023” delivered to the RTM
atchie Fire Station Building Committee was chartered at the April 2, 2023 RTM
accordance with Waterford Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2.8 Buildin
s. The charge reads “due to the extensively deteriorated condition of the
ie Fire Station, that it be repaired and or replaced with a new building’-
vote
mmittee Kick-off Meeting held May 2, 2023
a nine-member bipartisan Committee including volunteer fire fighters, paid
s; RTM, BOS, and BOF members; and community representatives per the RTM
n requirements
meetings every two weeks at Oswegatchie Fire Station Training Room
 architectural firm, Silver Petrucelli Associates approved February 5, 2024-
vote
r project manager, Downes Construction, approved by RTM April 8, 2025 - 19-

ng Committee Accomplishments
ttee has met 53 times
ing had a quorum, none rescheduled due to lack of attendance
ttee has been diligent, thoughtful, deliberate, and has maintained a sense of
complete the charge
ittee voting history has demonstrated remarkable consensus, notwithstanding
ussions, with nearly every vote being unanimous
ucelli Associates completed Construction Design and Design Manuals /
nstruction completed Construction Estimates and a proposed Schedule
onservation Commission Approval
anning and Zoning Approval
Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Studies
d Oswegatchie Property to Town of Waterford for S1
Next Steps are Funding, Bidding, and
Construction

Building
General
Features
rooms,
a
day
room,
a
kitchen,
training
room,
offices,
exercise
rooms,
bathrooms
decontamination
room,
gear
locker
room,
and
apparatus
bays
on
the
Floors-epoxy
coated
concrete,
tile,
and
carpet
covered
System-lighting,
power,
P/A
system,
fire
alarm,
security
system,
site
lighting,
back-up
generator
primarily
VRF
(variable
refrigerant
flow)
with
radiant
floors
in
the
bays

VAC system-high efficiency, 10-50% less energy
return system uses temperature maintenance cable in lieu of hot water
plumbing fixtures
oor in the bays
in the walls is “continuous”, no breaks. Limits heat transfer. Moves dew
ble roof in the event that the Town wants to explore in the future
y sensors and dimmer light controls

nd Costs
of
the
Fire
Station-9,988
sq.ft.
d Soft Costs (and contingencies)- $2,228,980 (including S500K,
d Cost to Renovate as New-$11,092,735 (including soft costs and
low-on discussion between the Director of Fire Services and Director of Traffic

ize reflecting current needs and allowing for minor expansion
r than the existing structure (and previous building committee’s design)
balance of form, fit, and function, while being architecturaly
d by a New England farmhouse
le and elegant- not a Taj Mahal
efficient
ary to meet the fire services emergency service delivery model
uilt with little cost impact to the taxpayer (favorable debt servicing
and positive impact on ISO rating)
investment to protect Taxpayer property and lives, and positions
d for future business

6.0 Five Fire Stations - History and Structure of Waterford's Fire Stations
As referenced earlier, Waterford has a long-standing tradition of volunteer fire service, dating
back to the early 20th century. The Town’s five volunteer fire stations emerged as a direct
response to growing local needs, with each station strategically located in areas experiencing
population development. Notably, all five stations were constructed by volunteers, using funds
they independently raised.
To formalize and distribute responsibilities, a series of fire districts were created, providing an
organized framework for managing the growing fire services system.
Since 1942, Waterford has maintained five fire stations, all incorporated within a span of 19
years. These five stations remain operational today.
Waterford’s population continues to grow steadily, and the current infrastructure of fire
stations remains largely supportive of existing development patterns. According to the most
recent census, Waterford’s population stands at 19,554.
While census projections suggest the population may stabilize or even decline slightly in the
future, recent development activity—as illustrated in Table 2—indicates the potential for
continued population growth, which could influence future demand for fire services.
Waterford’s proud tradition of volunteer fire service has evolved over decades to meet the
needs of a growing and changing community. Originally founded around local volunteer efforts,
the Towns five fire stations—established through historic, mutually beneficial agreements
(Appendix E)—provided critical coverage and protection. This agreement, whereby volunteers
deliver fire protection services in exchange for the Town maintaining stations and funding
equipment and training, remains foundational today, granting Waterford access to a network of
five strategically located stations.
As Waterford grows, the Town has a unique opportunity to honor its rich legacy while
thoughtfully planning the next generation of emergency services—services designed not only
for today’s challenges but for tomorrow's vision.
While census projections suggest that Waterford’s overall population (currently 19,554) may
remain stable or decline slightly, other trends paint a more dynamic picture:
¢ Growth in the Senior Population:
An increasing proportion of older residents will drive greater demand for emergency
medical services.

e Recent Development Activity (Table 2):
Despite more modest population forecasts, recent residential and commercial building
activity suggests a slowly growing population.
e Town Size and Diversity:
Spanning 37 square miles, Waterford features a challenging mix of rural, suburban, and
commercial properties, each requiring thoughtful, responsive fire and emergency service
coverage.
Several factors are shaping the evolving mission of Waterford’s Fire Services:
« Significant Commercial Entities:
o Dominion Energy's Nuclear Power facility
o The proposed Data Center
o The Crystal Mail complex
These assets represent critical infrastructure requiring specialized response
capabilities.
« Changing Building Patterns:
Newer construction often features:
o Higher population densities
o Multi-story structures
o Fire-resistant materials
These improvements enhance safety but also introduce new challenges, such as
greater exposure to hazardous synthetic materials in fires.
« Expanded Scope of Emergency Responses:
In recent years, structure fires have represented a small fraction of calls. Firefighters are
now routinely responding to:
o Hazardous material incidents
o Severe weather events
o Service calls
o Medical emergencies
o False alarms

Distribution of Service:
Analysis of call data indicates that emergency call volume is distributed across the Town,
reinforcing the importance of maintaining all five fire stations.
6.1 Why Having Five Stations Matters
Maintaining a five-station model continues to provide tangible, town-wide benefits:
1
Good Response Times
The current station locations enable fast, reliable service delivery in alignment with
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
Volunteer Retention
Reducing or closing stations could diminish volunteer participation and necessitate more
career staff, increasing costs.
Strategic Coverage
Stations are located near high-density neighborhoods and key assets such as the Crystal
Mall, Dominion Nuclear Power Station, Interstate 95, Interstate 395, Route 85 and
Waterford’s schools, Town Hall, Community Center, Beaches, Niantic River, and the
Thames River all spread over 37 square miles.
Cost effective insurance Rates and ISO Ratings
Maintaining five stations helps preserve Waterford’s favorable insurance Services Office
(ISO) rating, protecting residents from higher insurance premiums.
Resiliency and Emergency Sheltering
Each station provides a free accessible, safe location for residents sheltering during
townwide emergencies and supports Waterford’s integrated Task Force emergency
management approach.
Infrastructure Readiness
Except for Oswegatchie (which the RTM has determined requires replacement), the
other stations are maintainable through repair or renavation.
Emergency Operations
As Waterford’s Fire Services evolve into a broader Emergency Services Organization,
each station wil! play a key role in housing resources, personnel, and shelter facilities
across the community.

8. A Proven, Successful Model
The five-station approach has effectively served Waterford for over 100 years, providing
life-saving protection, community reassurance, and continuity.
Looking Forward: Waterford’s Vision for Emergency Services
As Waterford embraces the future, its fire service must continue to evolve and potentially grow
into a modern Emergency Services and First Responder Organization, ready to address a
broader range of public safety needs. As noted earlier, such a change may warrant ordinance
revisions and a charter update. A suitable name could be Waterford Fire and Rescue.
Key elements of this future vision should include:
« Investing smartly in facility upgrades, apparatus modernization, and training.
« Expanding partnerships with local and regional agencies.
« Applying for grants (such as SAFER grants) to enhance staffing and resilience.
« Adapting tactics to meet the challenges of changing construction patterns, population
shifts, and evolving threats.
By recognizing the value of its current infrastructure and proactively planning for the future,
Waterford is charting an exciting and responsible course—one that builds on its proud past
while preparing for a bright, resilient and nimble future.
The future of Waterford’s fire services is not about standing still. It’s about growing, adapting,
and leading—and the Town with careful planning can be ready to meet the responsibilities it
will face in the future.
6.2 The Case for a New Oswegatchie Fire Station
In January 2023, the Fire Services Review Special Committee released an interim report
recommending the replacement of the Oswegatchie Fire Station due to extensive structural and
mechanical deficiencies. At the same time, the Committee strongly reaffirmed the Town’s five-
station fire service delivery model as the most effective and strategic approach for meeting
Waterford’s emergency response needs.
In addition to the broader reasons supporting the five-station model, the following specific
points highlight why replacing the Oswegatchie Fire Station is critical to Waterford’s future:
1. Strengthens Public Safety

A new OFS ensures continued fire and emergency support for the Oswegatchie
Elementary School and surrounding neighborhoods.
It provides a modem, safe, and secure facility for housing part of the Town’s paid
firefighter workforce.
It creates an ideal location for a future operational/educational hub for Waterford’s
growing team of career firefighters.
2. Supports the Town’s Vision for a Combination Fire Department
A new station advances Waterford’s transition toward a combination fire services
model, blending career firefighters and volunteer support—consistent with national
best practices and Waterford’s evolving needs.
It positions the Town for a stronger, more flexible fire service well into the 21st century.
3. Enhances Recruitment and Retention
A new, state-of-the-art station will boost the recruitment and retention of both career
and volunteer firefighters.
A modern facility focused on firefighter safety, training, and well-being demonstrates
the Town’s serious commitment to public safety services.
4. Protects Waterford’s Long-Term Financial Interests
Repairing and renovating the existing station is not cost-effective according to the
Town's architect and construction project manager. The construction program manager
provided an estimate of $11.1 million to renovate the building as new, while a new
building could cost approximately $12.6 million, with contingencies and soft costs
included in each.
Delaying construction would significantly escalate costs—potentially requiring $15—20
million within 7-10 years for new construction and interim repairs.
Building the new station now is the fiscally responsible choice for taxpayers.
5. Continues a Century-Long Success Story
Oswegatchie Fire Company has served Waterford from its current location for over 94
years.
Maintaining a station at this location honors a proven, historic fire station model that
has effectively protected all 37 square miles of the Town.
Every major study and both recent Directors of Fire Services have strongly supported
the five-station model for Waterford.
6. Enhances Townwide Emergency Preparedness
Provides a local shelter for residents during emergencies.

« Maintains a strategic outpost for the staging of apparatus and personnel for rapid,
effective responses to any emergency.
7. Aligns with Town Plans and Community Values
» Building a new station at Oswegatchie is consistent with both the existing and proposed
draft Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).
« Reflects the Town’s values of community investment, public safety, and smart growth.
8. Reinforces Waterford’s Commitment to Public Safety
« Waterford protects a community of 19,554 residents and a $4.4 billion grand list of
residential, commercial, industrial and personal property.
¢ Anew, centrally located fire station will significantly strengthen life and property
protection across the Town.
9. Demonstrates Strong Community Leadership
e in February 2023, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) took decisive action:
o Established a Building Committee charged with constructing a new Oswegatchie
Fire Station.
o Committed to maintaining the old station only as necessary until a replacement
is built.
o Approved funding for architect and Project Manager fees and accepted the
conveyance of OFD property to pave the way for the first Town-owned fire
station.
The preservation and modernization of Waterford’s five-station fire services model is critical to
meeting current and future community needs.
Building a new Oswegatchie Fire Station is more than a construction project, it is a clear
investment in:
« Public safety
« Community resilience
« Long-term financial responsibility
« Waterford’s future growth and success
Waterford’s vision is bold, responsible, and clear: continuing to invest in the systems that
protect its people, its property, and its proud tradition of excellence.