Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services And Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Community meeting set as committee weighs using 7605 Collins Ave. as interim ocean-rescue base; item continued to March
Summary
Commissioners discussed converting city-owned house at 7605 Collins Ave. to an interim lifeguard/ocean-rescue base to free a nearby lot used by the fire department; a public meeting is scheduled for Feb. 6 and staff will return to committee in March with community input and budget details.
Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez proposed using the city-owned property at 7605 Collins Avenue as an interim base for ocean rescue and lifeguard operations, with the goal of freeing a West lot currently occupied by a fire-trailer footprint and restoring nearby parking. The proposal would be temporary until a permanent lifeguard headquarters is available.
Vince Hayhaas, Building Department Director, said the property was purchased for a building department north-branch use (a remote call center and office) and that the building was earmarked to reduce existing rental costs. Fire Department leadership and the lifeguard union (CWA) said the house is small and would be difficult to divide to serve both the building department and an 18-person lifeguard contingent; fire staff noted the lifeguard union preferred full use of the house rather than a divided space. Deputy Chief Linares said the house’s interior is small and that the department is working on off-site measures that could reduce the footprint of the current trailer by about 4,500 square feet and free 8 to 12 parking spots.
Staff agreed to hold a community meeting at 7605 Collins Ave. on Feb. 6 (4:00–6:30 p.m.) and return to the committee at the March meeting with community input and a comparison of lease costs the building department currently pays for leased commercial space. City staff and the Fire Department emphasized the plan is not intended to be permanent; the county and multiple agencies are involved in planning a permanent headquarters and that work is at an early conceptual stage.
The committee asked the building director and fire staff to coordinate on budget comparisons and the public meeting; staff also highlighted applicable Florida procurement statutes that may affect operational leasing or use changes. The item will return to the committee in March after public input.
