Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rosston Fire Department To Get New Building

Rosston's volunteer fire department will be getting a new home.

The Rosston City Council, in its regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 1, gave Mayor Lewis Jackson authority to work with Morton Building of Magnolia on a 40-foot by 40-foot metal building.

Jackson and David Budd, the newest member of the panel, had been in contact with Morton and got a price of $24,000 on the structure.

According to Jackson, the building would have a six-inch concrete slab, two roll up can doors and insulation for the price mentioned.

The council was asked if it wanted to go ahead and hire Morton or use members of the Rosston VFD to do the work. Jackson said it would be cheaper with the firefighters doing the building, but could take two or three months to get done as construction would be done around their work schedules.

Budd said the Morton building would not include the wiring. This would have to be done by the VFD members.

It was also decided not to install skylights in the roof.

Jackson said the $24,000 price tag doesn't include the concrete driveway for the firetrucks, but this, too, could be done by the firemen.

In the May meeting, the VFD allocated $20,000 to build a new fire station.

Jackson said the city will have to make up the difference in the cost. Money for the dirt work and foundation will come from the city's street fund, with this department being reimbursed from Act 833 money when it comes in.

The rest of the money would come from the city's general fund.

The building will be erected on a plot of land near the Rosston City Hall. The city is in the process of buying the property for $3,000.

Currently, there is a mobile home on the land, and the owner, Jackson said, will be given 30 days to move it once the deal is concluded.

It may be possible, he said, to begin work on the new fire station before the trailer is moved.

This location, he continued, is ideal for the station as it affords a clear view of traffic both directions. The location of the fire station now makes it difficult for the driver of the firetruck to see both ways without having to contort his body.

The new fire station will include office space for the department's records.

Above the office will be storage space for extra equipment as there will be no rafters in the structure.

Jackson said a water line needs to be put inside the building so trucks can be filled indoors.

The line can be placed between the doors so it can't be run over by the trucks, and by having a valve on it, crews wouldn't have to fill the tanks from hydrants.

At this time, he said, the VFD is trying to get the new truck classified as a pumper truck.

As it is, the new truck is rated to handle 2,000 gallons of water a minute at maximum output.

Johnny Jenson, Rosston fire chief, said the VFD needs to set a date for the Insurance Service Organization people to come and examine and certify the truck. The ISO establishes the ratings on fire departments, which affects homeowner insurance.

Jenson is getting the paperwork the ISO requires for the certification process. Once the truck is certified, the departments rating could drop to an 8, which would result in lower insurance premiums for area homeowners.

Jackson also informed the panel the new traffic warning light has been installed and is working at the intersection of highways 371 and 278.

The city had been complaining to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department for months about this dangerous intersection.

With the regular business concluded Rosston Secretary Brenda Drake had something to say.

Drake said there had been complaints about the quality of her work in the community, and informed the board Sept. 1 would be her last day to work with the city.

"Something has been said," she told the board, "but no one will own up to it."

Drake reminded the council she's been the city's secretary for two-and-a-half years, but has been ill the last month and been unable to come to city hall and do the work required.

She gave each individual member of the council, along with the mayor, the chance to "fess up" about the rumors. None did.

In fact all members of the council commended the quality of her work and urged Drake to reconsider leaving.

When she asked Jackson what she should do, he told her to make up her own mind.

"I'm not going to tell you what to do," he said, "but it would be hard on me because I'd have to do your job if you leave. I know it's a headache, but don't pay attention to what these people (spreading rumors) are saying."

Drake then informed the council she will take a wait and see approach, but is ready to resign if people are unhappy with the quality of her work.