After getting a tip, NBC10 Investigators looked into the conditions at the aging fire stations in Melrose. Emails obtained via a public records request revealed no shortage of problems, including no heat in the winter, rodents, water leaks and raw sewage, the report said.
After receiving a “Small Town Secrets” tip from a viewer, the NBC10 Investigators submitted a public records request for documents related to the city’s three fire stations, according to the report.
The 300-plus pages of emails and other records we received from the past two years did not paint a pretty picture, the report said.
Problems included: leaks from the dilapidated roof and gutters; rodent infestation and mouse dropping on kitchen counters; dead animals and “horrible” odors coming from the boarded-up hose tower; and leaking urinals discharging raw sewage into the basement, the report said.
On Wednesday, the city launched the Public Safety Building Committee website, which includes information about plans to renovate city buildings, the report said.
The solution will undoubtedly require a significant investment from taxpayers. A similar committee under a previous administration stalled after failing to reach a consensus on the best approach, the report said.