Monroe Emergency Medical Service volunteers have long complained of a leaky roof at its Jockey Hollow Firehouse headquarters. On Monday night, First Selectman Steve Vavrek told Board of Finance and Town Council members that most of the roof-work is complete.
An award letter allowing EMS to move forward on buying a new ambulance also went out, according to Vavrek.
Meanwhile, Daniel Hunsberger, a Democrat challenging Vavrek in the first selectman's race this election, said it's about time.
"I find it rather amazing that they found the money for some things that were in the papers for the past couple of months," Hunsberger said Monday night. "The ambulance and the roof leaking have been issues for years. Now that there is a viable candidate and issues are on the table, suddenly there is money for repairs."
On Tuesday afternoon, Vavrek said, "The grant for the roof was applied for last year with the previous DPW Director Doug Arndt. Both issues were also addressed during the budget process and beyond, so I find it equally amazing my opponent didn't know this."
A $189,902 Local Capital Improvement Program Grant approved on Sept. 18 is being used to re-roof the firehouse and to pay for new "gutters, flashing and possibly replacement of decking", according to the letter informing the town of the grant's approval.
"A Monroe owned local company, L.A. Barnaby, was awarded the job," Vavrek said. "The job is essentially done except for small items and should be concluded in a week."
Vavrek said pursuing the LoCIP funds for roof repairs dates back two years. On Wednesday morning he confirmed that the EMS has put money away for the past three years for the ambulance as part of its long term plan.
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