Fire chief asks council to approve $74,500 design contract for Station No. 2 renovation

Fire Chief Bushey told the City Council that Fire Station No. 2, built in 1977 and last remodeled in 1997 after a flood, requires a complete renovation and that the next step is to advance the design phase.

"Fire Station 2 was built in 1977. It was last remodeled in 1997 after the flood, and that was just a quick remodel to get it back in service," Bushey said, then asked the council to "consider approving the Widseth professional design services proposal" and to move forward with the construction documents phase at a cost of $74,500. He said the amount was budgeted in the 2025 building maintenance fund.

Mayor Olstead asked how long the design would remain valid if council delayed construction. Bushey said he had discussed the question with the design engineer and that the design "is as good as it can be kept," adding that only code changes might require updates.

Council President suggested adding a hazardous-materials survey to the scope to check for asbestos and to help produce a more comprehensive cost estimate; Bushey said he would look into that option.

The proposal was presented as a next step rather than a final authorization to build: Bushey emphasized the design phase would produce construction documents and better cost estimates that council could use to evaluate funding and timing. The council did not record a final vote on the design contract during this meeting.

If the council approves the Widseth proposal at a future meeting, the design phase would precede any contract or construction authorization and could be adjusted if codes change or if the hazardous-materials survey identifies remediation needs.