Supervisors nix proposal to expand training center

By MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-Herald

JOHNSTOWN - Fulton County supervisors recently rejected a request to create a 2,000-square-foot classroom addition at the county Public Safety Training Facility on Sun Valley Road.

The Board of Supervisors' Public Safety Committee decided not to advance that proposed 2010 capital project, putting it off until at least 2011.

Fulton County Civil Defense-Fire Coordinator Allan Polmateer, who made the request, was out of town during the committee's recent meeting, so Sheriff's Department Lt. Garth Hillier presented supervisors with details.

Hillier, the county's Communications Center supervisor, also is one of Polmateer's deputy fire coordinators.

Hillier said the request was for a 40-by-50-foot classroom addition.

He said the training facility is used days, evenings and weekends by "a multitude of public safety groups," but the space is very limited.

Board Chairman Jack Callery said the county, like some school districts, has to cut "class sizes" during tough economic times.

"I think this is the wrong time," Callery said.

Hillier said the fire service uses the Public Safety Training Facility classrooms most days, and emergency medical services and County Jail personnel use the building for training. He said the county has had to restrict use of the facility due to limited class size and availability.

"I wonder if the college will let us use their classrooms?" asked Gloversville 2nd Ward Supervisor Frank Lauria Jr.

It was noted by the committee that Fulton-Montgomery Community College might charge for the use of its classrooms.

The committee did approve a proposed 2010 capital project from Polmateer involving a "facelift" to property at the training center and the nearby burn building. Hillier said the request is for two different sections of new blacktopping meant to make it easier for large fire trucks to maneuver at the facility. That proposed capital project also includes repiping part of a plumbing system that serves a vital pond on the site.

Polmateer's supported capital project will be presented to the board's Capital Projects Committee. That panel will meet at 10 a.m. July 16 at the County Office Building.