Selectmen Approve Funds for Banna Station Plans

The Seekonk Board of Selectmen approved a request for $6,600 by the Banna Station Building Committee to be used to develop schematics relating to the renovation of the building.

The Richard C. Banna Fire Station is not currently being used by fire department in any capacity, in contrast to the County Street Fire Station, which is being used to store additional equipment. Arthur Foulkes, a member of the Banna committee, said the plans need to be drawn up so they can have firm numbers to plan around. The plans will be for both a one-story building and an expanded two-story building.

“This is what we really need right now,” said Foulkes.

The committee has begun to make lists of the various issues with the building and have found a boiler that is covered in asbestos, as well as asbestos and lead paint on the exterior of the building.

“The key is getting some solid numbers together and finding out how much the repairs and renovations will cost,” said Foulkes.

Due to the current expected costs of repairs, Foulkes said it is unlikely the station will be made into a two-story building.

The selectmen do not meet next Wednesday due to Thanksgiving. Their next meeting is Monday, Nov. 28 before the Town Hall Meeting.

Selectmen Meeting Notes

• The selectmen invited the three surrounding towns that used to be part of Seekonk – Rehoboth, East Providence and Pawtucket – to the 200th Seekonk Anniversary Dinner Dance on Jan. 21 at Johnson and Wales. Selectmen voted to endorse letters. Tickets for the event are $50.
• They also voted to approved four additional snow plow vendors for the Department of Public Works.
• And they voted to support Articles 3, 4 and 5 of the Fall Town Meeting Warrant.