Council reviews plan for four-bay auxiliary building behind Fire Station 3

City of The Colony council members discussed a proposal to build a 50-by-70-foot, four-bay auxiliary storage building behind Fire Station 3 to store reserve fire apparatus and protect expensive equipment.

City staff said the building would not include bathrooms but would have electricity, gas and water so vehicles can be kept plugged in and climate-controlled. The design is intended to match the Station 3 exterior appearance, with a 4/12 roof pitch and wainscot to visually tie the structure to the existing firehouse. The structure would sit about 10 feet from the tree line, tie into the existing pavement with a front apron, and would be a metal building with exterior finishes to match the station.

Staff described the main purpose as keeping reserve vehicles and equipment protected and ready: when a frontline unit needs to be swapped out, crews could move a reserve apparatus into service quickly. The administration noted the city expects a new ladder truck to arrive in the near term and said the auxiliary building would provide secure indoor storage to avoid leaving reserve apparatus outdoors. Spurgeon, the project architect, is producing preliminary drawings; staff said they will seek bids after council feedback.

Councilmembers asked about vehicle maneuverability, access, and whether future doors or exits might be necessary. Staff said the building will not extend to the tree line, that vehicles would be able to back in and out as needed, and that a rear exit door is not planned because the space is intended for auxiliary, not frontline, operations. Staff also said they already requested funds and plan to go to bid pending any design changes the council requests.

No formal vote or ordinance was requested during the work session; staff sought council input and direction before finalizing design and soliciting bids.