The Board of Works on Monday gave the approval for a new fire station that will be done by the BOT (Build, Operate,. Transfer) process.
“We’re ready to start the process with Envoy,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “We took the recommendation by the committee we set up. We’re excited to get started on that. Hopefully, they’ll meet soon and we’ll be on our way.”
Earlier this year, the Board of Works decided the new station would be built at or west of County Road 450 West. The reason for that is to give confidence and peace of mind to the businesses that are coming to the Interstate 65 area now and in the future.
After the Board of Works approval, Sheets was asked how big of an item is this for Frankfort and Clinton County.
“I think it’s real important for the community to have a fire station out in that area particularly with the annexation taking place,” said Sheets. “We already have NHK out there, and we’re going to have a new facility out there. I think it’s going to be important to have a fire station that close to the interstate as well.”
No price tag was put on the project and annexation is coming to the area in 2024.
In association with this project, the Board of Works approved Eric Woods to be the main person negotiating the contract. However, both Woods and Steve Beardsley are on vacation currently. If neither is available, then Megan Sheets will be the contact person.
In other news, the first of two scheduled pickle ball courts in Frankfort is now open in TPA Park.
“We have six pickle ball courts, two tennis courts (at TPA Park),” said Sheets. “We’re excited. They’re striped, they’re lined, there’s netting. there’s a fence around them. They’re going to put on a new sign out there. So, we’re really excited about that. It’s great for the community.”
The second pickle ball court will be at Dorner Park in the future. Sheets added they are not sure if there is going to be two or four pickle ball courts.
Frankfort Fire Department Chief Matt Stidham announced they have reached two-year fire contracts with Center Township, Washington Township, Union Township and Jackson Township in addition to an EMS Transport Agreement.