The grant of $83,905 covers 95 percent of the total estimated cost of the installation of a fire sprinkler system, according to a news release. The city is responsible for the remaining  5 percent of the cost, about $4,195.  

The grant was awarded to the fire department with support from Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois; Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois; and U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Plano, the release said.

Councilors scheduled the workshop after discussing a report from the Fire Station Task Force on Sept. 4.  

The report included a preliminary floor plan and budget for the proposed $13 million, 30,000-square-foot building. Including land acquisition costs, the project would total $15 million, according to the report.

But according to a memo from Town Manager John Eldridge to the council, the town’s 2018-2019 Capital Improvement Plan estimated the total cost for the project would be about $9 million.

Although Councilor Jane Millett, a member of the Fire Station Task Force, said the CIP estimate was a “wild guess,” Eldridge said “a large design fee” and contingencies drove up the projected price.

Robinson Fire Department has used the funds to purchase a 2,000 gallon portable dump tank.

 

Since the program began in 2010, the Grow Communities program has partnered with farmers to support nonprofit organizations important to them in their local communities. The program has given more than $29 million to farming communities since its inception, including more than $3 million in 2018. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit they care about in their community. The organizations reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs, food banks and many others.

The fire department held a dedication ceremony for its new Tower 26 truck, with Fire Chaplain Father Dennis Ruda performing a blessing.  

The 1 million dollar truck replaces a similar vehicle that was 30 years-old. Both have 100 foot ladders, but the new one is lighter with a shorter wheel base, making it more maneuverable down narrow streets or sharp corners. Fire Chief Rob Jacyna says, "This one just has more electronics and safety features.  Like everything today, it has computers on it and runs it and everything.  So, it's redundant if you don't do something or set it up right, it won't let you proceed to the next."