There has been a lot of talk for quite some time about adding another fire station out by Interstate 65.
The Board of Works took the first step towards that happening as they approved the RFPQ (Request for Proposal Quotes) on Monday night.
Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets was asked all the particulars about the proposed project.
“It’s going to be the BOT (Build, Operate Transfer) process,” said Sheets. “Everything would be incorporated into that BOT process — the land, the equipment, the station and if there are renovations to headquarters. So, that’s all going to be a part of that process. We looking at west of 450 West for the station.”
Sheets added they have an agreement with NHK if they annex into Frankfort there would be another fire station located by the interstate.
Sheets also indicated what the expansion to headquarters (Fire Station 1) would look like if that transpires.
“When he (Fire Department Chief Matt Stidham) about expansion, he wanted to make it larger, go out to the east a little (toward the alleyway),” said Sheets. “He said just make it bigger so they could have more room.”
Another part of the expansion would be female firefighters which they do not have as yet.
“You never know. We could have a female firefighter,” said Sheets. “We need to have it like it should be.”
Sheets also said they need to know by July 24 to see if they can afford this project. Sheets estimated the cost would be between $7 million and $8 million.
The City of Frankfort has been trying to get some kind of a stoplight at the entrance to Blue Ridge and Green Meadows Elementary Schools to help improve child safety in the area. Sheets said it’s getting closer to happening.
“It’s my understanding it’s going to be like a yellow flashing light and then also it’s going to be solar powered,” said Sheets. “Also, one of those devices where you come up there will be added.”
Another reason for this is that local officials are trying to keep the SRO (Student Resource Officer) inside the building and not have to outside a good distance to help direct traffic.
Sheets added INDOT has not given the city a set time for the light to be installed. She was hoping no later than next fall.
The 4-H Fair Parade was approved for Sunday, July 9, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade has always been known as the start of the Clinton County 4-H Fair which runs through Sunday, July 16.