Coppell approves guaranteed maximum price, moves forward with Fire Station 3 rebuild; temporary funding reimbursement authorized

Coppell City Council approved construction contracts and a companion construction‑management amendment on April 14 to rebuild its aging Fire Station 3 and authorized a financing approach that preserves the option to reimburse interim fund use with future bond proceeds.

Staff said existing Stations 1–3 were built to 1990s residential‑grade standards and that the living quarters at Station 3 are the primary target for a commercial‑grade rebuild. The Council approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment for the selected contractor and an amendment to the construction management agreement (Gallagher Construction Services) to provide construction‑management‑at‑risk oversight.

To allow construction to proceed without delay, Council also adopted a reimbursement resolution authorizing the temporary use of the Facilities/Infrastructure Maintenance Fund to pay for design and construction costs now and preserving the option to reimburse those expenses from bonds later. Staff emphasized the resolution does not commit Council to issuing bonds; it simply preserves the reimbursement option required by IRS and municipal bond procedures.

Operations during construction were discussed: apparatus and medics from Station 3 will be relocated to Stations 4 and 5 so coverage can be maintained while construction proceeds (Council was told relocation plans should keep response coverage within city standards). Construction was expected to begin immediately after contracting steps and to last roughly one year.

Council approved both the financing resolution and the construction contracts during the meeting. Staff will proceed with permitting and construction for the Station 3 rebuild, continuing coordination to ensure coverage and minimize service impacts while crews are relocated temporarily.