Generator Quotes Sought for Long Valley Firehouse

After losing its generator capability during Super Storm Sandy, the Long Valley Fire Company building on Fairview Avenue is not equipped to power up in the case of an emergency.

Fire chief Jim Rasmussen brought estimates and options to the Washington Township Committee at its work session meeting earlier this month, and while the governing body decided on the capacity of generator it would like to implement, the price is still an issue.

The five-member committee has opted for a 15Kw generator to install at the building – the same size as the previous utility apparatus – but wants to see what kind of pricing is available.

Rasmussen told the committee that size generator with installation would cost in the neighborhood of $16,000 or more. On Monday night at its regular session, the committee took no action on choosing a machine or installer and asked that more quotes be sought.

Per state law, if a municipal or school project costs in excess of $17,500, the contract must go out to bid.

On the Move

The purchase of a generator could result in short-term use for the fire company, however, as plans for a new firehouse have been considered for years to be built on West Mill Road.

A new building would need a higher voltage generator, Mayor Ken Short said, making the purchase of apparatus at the Fairview location void if the move was made.

The 15Kw generator to be purchased for the current firehouse will be strong enough to open bay doors and power the building enough for firefighters to get their equipment ready for an emergency.

Additional quotes are expected to be made available at the committee’s October regular meeting on Monday the 21st.