Politics & Government
Merrimack To Address Rodent Damage At Fire Station 3
Merrimack Town Council and Fire chief Michael Currier discussed repairs needed due to critters at the unmanned Station 3.
MERRIMACK, NH — The Merrimack Town Council discussed the condition of Fire Department's Reeds Ferry Station, which has sustained some damage due to rodents. The Reeds Ferry Station, also known as Station 3, houses fire equipment such as the HAZMAT trailer. At this month's Town Council meeting, Fire chief Michael Currier recommended funding to make repairs and eradicate the rodents.
The Reeds Ferry Station was built in 1972 and acted as a maintenance facility with one full-time firefighter between 1979 and 1997. Then, it remained an unstaffed call station. Left unstaffed, rodents moved in, said Currier during the April 11 meeting. He said the situation has improved since cleanup efforts last year, but critters' activity once again increased with the recent construction of Flately Company apartments nearby.
"Once upon a time this was a very active station," said Currier, stating that a decrease in volunteer staff and the number of calls were among reasons why the station is now only a storage area.
Currier said the town cannot do without the station — certain equipment, such as the HAZMAT trailer, needs to be stored at Station 3 to maintain usable form. Other items stored there include Engine 3, training props, trailers, ladders, a backup hose, backup stretchers, and various special operations equipment.
During the April 11 City Council meeting, Currier recommended spending $16,200 to eliminate the rodents. He also recommended spending funds to make repairs and address any potential health conditions.
The town's insurance does not cover critter damage, said Finance Director Paul Micali.
Town Councilors considered looking into available grants to fix the rodent issue and also discussed the possibility of selling the property or constructing a new building to replace the 45-year-old station. They decided to have talks with the Flately Company to make a mutual plan for potential improvements to the site.
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