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Council approves remodeling at Fire Station 2 to install Safe Haven Baby Box
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Summary
The Wisconsin Rapids council approved Altman Construction's remodeling bid and authorized a lease and remittance to Safe Haven Baby Boxes after fundraisers and a parish raised roughly $36,300 to cover installation, the lease and initial maintenance.
The City Council on Tuesday approved a remodeling contract for Fire Station 2 to install a Safe Haven Baby Box, and authorized signing a lease with Safe Haven Baby Boxes and remitting funds under a memorandum of understanding with Saint Peter and Paul Parish.
Council members voted to accept the contractor proposal and later moved to execute the lease after city staff reported contingencies had been met. The chair made both motions and Michael Timm seconded; both motions passed with affirmative votes recorded.
City Attorney Sue told the council a contractor proposal is in the meeting packet and that part of the contractor's bid includes an in‑kind contribution to the city. Chief Goodrow said staff received two similar bids and that Altman Construction offered an in‑kind donation. Goodrow said Altman visited Station 2, used specifications provided by Safe Haven Baby Boxes, and submitted the quote included in the staff packet.
On logistics, Goodrow said cutting a hole in the brick may be the longest construction task, after which an electrical subcontractor will run power to meet the box's specifications. Staff will identify an alarm or notification system to alert responders if a baby is placed in the box, and internal protocols are being developed to support operations. Sheriff Becker offered backup response if city resources are unavailable.
A volunteer involved in fundraising reported checks and cash from Saint Peter and Paul Parish totaling about $29,000, roughly $1,600 in online donations via United Way, and a $6,000 in‑kind contribution from Altman, for a total of $36,304. Council materials and speakers said that sum covers the installation, lease and initial maintenance costs.
The motions recorded in the meeting packet and read aloud at the meeting authorized staff to proceed with the remodeling contract and to execute the lease and remit funds pursuant to the memorandum of understanding with Saint Peter and Paul Parish.
The council moved on to other business after both votes passed. No member recorded a formal dissent on the record.
