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Public Safety working group narrows options; Elm Street plan moves forward as substation removed from King Street design
Summary
The committee heard that the Public Safety Working Group shifted its focus to the Elm Street building and revised the King Street plan to eliminate a substation, changes that may reduce project estimates by an estimated $2–3 million but are likely offset by higher construction and design costs; updated drawings are expected in the coming weeks.
The Capital Budget Committee was briefed Jan. 12 on recent changes to public safety facility planning, including a refocused effort on the Elm Street site and a revised King Street design that removes a proposed substation.
The Public Safety Working Group reported it met Jan. 8 and that the King Street revision would allow a second ambulance to fit in the apparatus bay, add two additional staff living arrangements and include a training room. The group said updated King Street drawings are expected in about two weeks and Elm Street drawings in roughly three weeks or longer.
Committee members were told the elimination of the fire substation from the King Street plan could reduce the project’s cost by an estimated $2 million to $3 million. However, meeting materials and the group cautioned that any savings are likely to be absorbed by current increases in construction costs, fees for architectural drawings and owner’s project manager (OPM) work.
The committee directed that Chief Dockray be asked to return at the Jan. 26 meeting to answer additional follow‑up questions about the adjustments and site options. Glen Pratt will also be invited to discuss land options and prior site evaluations that the committee had asked be reviewed.
No formal vote or binding decision on site selection was made at the Jan. 12 meeting; the working group’s revised drawings will be the next material deliverable, and the committee expects to review further cost estimates when they are available.
