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Westmont schedules June 12 board discussion on proposed new fire station after public outreach
Summary
Village leaders described a community outreach process on a potential new fire facility and said the proposal will be heard at a June 12 village board meeting; officials cited increased call volume, aging facilities and vehicle-size changes as drivers for the project.
Village officials told attendees that Westmont will consider a new fire station and has sought public input before the board makes a decision.
Mayor Steve Nero said the village held an extra public meeting to explain options for a potential new fire station and to gather feedback: "We did all our homework. The fire department did a great job. We had an extra meeting with the public to hear from them. Tell them all the different options." He said the outreach produced positive feedback and that the board will continue that engagement.
Why it matters: Jim Gunther, village manager trainee, said fire-call volume has grown substantially since 1991 — roughly quintupled — and that changes in vehicle sizes, regulations and community demographics have created pressure to update old facilities. Gunther said the department also faces new OSHA, ADA and building-code requirements and that modern apparatus are larger and heavier than those in 1991.
Operational issues and constraints: presenters noted Westmont's largely part-time fire force provides cost savings but faces potential legislative risks tied to secondary employment rules and union proposals. Gunther also described an increase in facilities providing assisted care and an aging population that raise call frequency.
Next steps: Gunther said the village board will take up the fire station proposal at its June 12 meeting. Officials encouraged residents to attend that board meeting for more detail and to ask questions about options and funding.
Ending: Village leaders framed the outreach as part of a broader commitment to more proactive communication on major projects and said they will continue community meetings as plans progress.
