Notes From City Hall

Fire Damages DPW Garage SARATOGA SPRINGS — A fire of unknown origin at the DPW complex on the west side damaged a city garage, Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced on Friday, Feb. 10. The fire occurred on Jan. 27 and originated in the carpentry area in the building, located in the northeast corner of the DPW complex. “I had anticipated sharing this information at the Feb. 7 City Council meeting but was waiting for more information on the insurance claim. That information is forthcoming but I thought that the public should know more about this situation,” Scirocco said. “What’s most important here is that no one was hurt.” The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. While no major piece of DPW equipment or vehicles were damaged, hand tools and equipment were lost in the fire, and the building itself experienced fire and heat damage to wiring, insulation, and the structure. Preliminary reports from the director of Risk and Safety, and representatives from the City’s insurance provider, indicate that the building should be stripped down to the steel beams and concrete with all other components of the building removed and rebuilt, according to Scirocco. DPW officials are working with city departments and the city’s insurance carrier to investigate the fire and ensure the city receives full coverage for the damage it caused, Scirocco said. The esitimated cost to repair and replace items damaged by the fire has not yet been discussed by the City Council. Upcoming Meetings The City Council will hold a pre-agenda meeting 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, and its full meeting at 7 later the same evening at City Hall. The Planning Board will hold a workshop 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 and a full meeting 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at City Hall.