The Navasota Fire Station has been in need of repair for some time, and, at least a fix to the problems, is coming soon. At Monday evening’s Navasota city Council meeting, the topic of repairing or replacing the Navasota Fire Station was up for discussion.
Navasota Fire Chief Jason Katkoski says that they have been fighting with one particular issue for quite some time.
“One of the things we have been battling over the years has been mold due to the water penetration through the roof and, primarily, on the north side of the building,” Katkoski said.
Katkoski said the majority of the issues with the building pertain to the second floor, where the firemen eat, sleep and do nightly activities. He said some of the firefighters are allergic and have to move downstairs. Katkoski also mentioned the insulation above many of the ceiling tiles is black from mold.
The project presented would fix up the issues for a cost around $40,000 and a city council debated whether it was a good solution or a delay of bigger problems.
“So, we had a concern on spending $40,000 as a cosmetic fix,” said City Manager Brad Stafford.
“That would get rid of the mold, though,” Mayor Bert Miller said.
“Not necessarily,” responded Stafford.
Katkoski chimed in, saying “Like I said, I have not found anyone that is going to guarantee us totally getting rid of it.”
“Well, if you can get rid of the source that is causing it, it should go away,” said Miller.
“If we can do that,” Katkoski responded. “That is the question. is are we going to be effective enough…I mean, I think we can do enough to slow it down, I think we can get mold that is currently in there, mostly gone, and buy us some time.”
After about 30 minutes of debate, the council unanimously approved the repairs for the Navasota Fire Station in the amount of $39,940. It will fix the windows, ceiling, insulation and a variety of other mold causing issues on the second floor. No time table is set on when improvement construction would begin.
Stafford also mentioned that his staff are looking into building a brand new fire station.