Mold and code violations send crews to trailers

[Guest guest]

Mold and code violations send crews to trailers

By Terry Karkos , Staff Writer

Friday, October 24, 2008 PHOTO GALLERY

http://www.sunjournal.com/story/288578-

3/RiverValley/Mold_and_code_violations_send_crews_to_trailers/

MEXICO - Mold and several building code violations within the Med-

Care Ambulance Service station forced employees this week and last

into two mobile homes parked on site, according to Director Dean

Milligan.

Employees were allowed to work in main floor offices, but second-

floor rooms were off limits.

In June, an investigation into an increase in sick leaves revealed

that the station's living quarters had nine times the acceptable

limit of mixtures of mold species, Milligan said on Thursday

afternoon in Peru.

" We had a spike in sick leaves of respiratory illnesses over the

winter and into the spring, so we investigated and found mold, " he

said. " And, now that the mold has been eradicated, we've had to get

rid of all of our furniture, beds, box springs, air conditioners and

carpeting. "

Contractors were hired to resolve problems that can be fixed without

spending an exorbitant amount. However, the quick fix is just a

short-term solution, Milligan said.

" We have to start addressing several code violations with the state

fire marshal's office and the Maine Municipal Association, which is

our insurer. Among these are electrical problems and window-size

egresses, but that's really just the tip of the iceberg.

" We are still working with the fire marshal's office on the

separation between floors, but if we have to do everything that

we've been cited for, it will cost $100,000.

" We won't do everything that's been identified, because it's not

financially practical to put that kind of money into a building that

is no longer functional for us, " Milligan said.

Both Med-Care's Board of Directors and two committees are working

toward getting a new building within the next 12 months.

If attempts to work with the fire marshal's office to resolve code

violations fall through, Med-Care could be fined or told to fix

identified violations, Milligan said.

Until the trailers rented from a Windham dealer are returned next

week, on-duty crews will continue to live, work, cook meals and

sleep in them. Some will also have to shower at Mexico and Rumford

fire stations.

" It's been definitely unfortunate, I guess, " Milligan said.

CLICK HERE To Show/Hide Discussion Thread - (3 Comments)

Comments

Posted By:Yikes at October 24, 2008 7:22 AM (Suggest Removal)

I'm all for people working in healthy environments. I just wonder

what this 'new building' will entail. Are we looking at the same

proposal that was shot down by voters? Mold is a big problem

throughout the River Valley. I know several people that, if tested

by the powers that be, would be quarrantined from their homes and I

know others (us included) that have had mold problems in the

basement. I'm very curious as to where Medcare will end up. Again, I

don't want anyone to work in unsafe conditions. I just can't help

wondering if this mold problem isn't an answer to Dean's Big

Building Prayers.

| Add your comments

Posted By:Read it Right at October 24, 2008 8:52 AM (Suggest Removal)

Here we go, blaming Dean for everything again. Dean does not make

all the decisions for Med-Care. Dean answers to a board of

directors. The directors make the decisions.

| Add your comments

Posted By:Watchthescam at October 24, 2008 1:09 PM (Suggest Removal)

What would be financially practical? Having them share space with

the Mexico & Rumford FDs which are already paid for until the

Municipal Building is built. But we all know that's not what they

want. Get ready for the shaft folks. Has the interlocal been

ratified so that they can't spend our tax dollars beyond $250K yet?

Don't get me wrong, I want them in a good spot and I want them to

have something they can be proud of, but with the history behind

this.... It makes me feel uneasy.