The Hudson Board of Selectmen heard a request from the Fire Department during its most recent meeting regarding work needed on the Plymovent exhaust system at Central Fire Station in preparation for the arrival of the new tower truck.
Fire Chief Scott Tice explained that each fire station is equipped with a Plymovent System, which is designed to remove diesel exhaust from inside the building. “The Plymovent System consists of hoses, pipes, and an exhaust fan that collects the exhaust from our apparatus and removes it to the outside instead of allowing the exhaust out into the atmosphere within the station,” Tice said. “The system connects a hose to the exhaust of the trucks with an inflatable boot that is deflated by a switch on the track when the apparatus pulls out of the station. This system is for the health and safety of our employees.”
Tice told the Board that modifications are needed to accommodate the new tower truck. “We need to reconfigure some of the pipes and the fan at Central Station to accommodate the tower truck when it arrives,” he said, noting that the current boot deflation method is being phased out and replacement parts are becoming difficult to obtain.
According to Tice, the reconfiguration is estimated to cost $24,000, and an additional $6,000 will be needed soon to update the deflation system. “The most efficient approach is to undertake both projects simultaneously,” he said.
Tice noted that the department has funding available in the FY26 budget to cover the work, but suggested that the Board consider using Target project funds instead. “We have the necessary funding available within the FY26 budget to cover these expenses,” he said. “However, it would be prudent to consider utilizing Target funds to save taxpayer money when possible.”
In a memo to the Selectmen, Tice included language from the Hudson Logistics Center site plan agreement for the Board to review. The agreement states that, prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant must secure and pay for a tower truck “with the design, vendor and construction schedule approved by the Hudson Fire Chief, utilizing funds identified in Condition #61.” Tice said he believed the Plymovent work fell within the scope of allowable expenses tied to the tower truck purchase.
During the meeting, Tice asked the Board for guidance. “I’m asking the Board if they think this is an appropriate use of the funds set aside to procure the tower truck, and then if the Board does think that’s appropriate, would you rather use those funds or use budget funds to get this done,” he said.
The Board of Selectmen voted to waive the competitive bid process for the reconfiguration work, which will be performed by Air Cleaning Specialist. The Selectmen also unanimously approved releasing an amount not to exceed $32,000 from the Hudson Logistics Center Platform Truck funds to cover the project.
The Target Logistics Center project, which was met with residents resistance, is still currently in limbo.
The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for June 23 at 7 p.m.
