Board discusses police complex repairs, storage building and refers Firehouse 3 decommissioning

Board members reviewed several facility items tied to the city’s capital plans: a phased approach for the police complex, a proposed replacement storage building for public works, and the future disposition of a decommissioned firehouse.

Staff described the police complex work as a two‑phase program: Phase 1 would address HVAC replacement and associated engineering (short‑term construction), and Phase 2 would pursue structural remediation of the parking garage in later years; staff estimated Phase 2 costs would be significantly larger and would follow an engineering assessment. Board members discussed whether to renovate in place or pursue replacement and emphasized the need to address aging boilers and structural components.

Separately, the board discussed a $5.2 million storage building to replace an aging Quonset hut at the public works yard. Board members noted the building’s size could be reduced if another department (for example, police or animal control) joined the facility footprint. The board also discussed repurposing or selling the decommissioned Firehouse 3, agreed to refer that matter to the Real Estate Committee and Corporation Counsel for sale or reuse evaluations, and requested courtesy copies to CERT and the Fire Commission. The referral will take place after Engine 3 has vacated the building.

The board asked staff to evaluate options and to bring engineering reports, cost estimates and any lease or sale proposals to the appropriate committees for further review.