BETHEL – Selectmen have approved a plan to salvage $2,500 worth of materials from the old fire station.

Construction of a $1.3 million station that will be twice the size of the old one is expected to be substantially completed in February.

Fire department officials proposed the plan to salvage bay doors, walk-in doors, Modine heaters, copper piping, windows, plumbing fixtures, kitchen cabinets, insulation, steel roofing, trusses, and other building components.

Under town code, disposition of town-owned personal property valued below $2,500 is at the discretion of selectmen, said Town Manager Scott Cole.

According to the plan, active firefighters have precedence over the general public, with equal opportunity among themselves to purchase building materials via an auction or bid process coordinated by Fire Chief Jim Young.

Proceeds are to be deposited into the Bethel Hill Fire Protection Fund, a registered nonprofit fund operated by the fire department and outside of town control.

After the chief declares that the opportunity for Bethel firefighters to buy materials has closed, a subsequent auction or bid process is to be coordinated by Young for sale to the general public of remaining building materials.

Proceeds, again, are to be deposited into the protection fund.

Sales will be final and “as is, where is” without warranty.

Buyers are required to pre-pay, adhere to a removal deadline, and execute a written general release holding the town harmless against any liabilities, damages or injuries.

Salvage operations must be accomplished in a timely manner so removal of the building opposite the town common is not hindered.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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