Soldier Township approves KBS design‑build contract for new fire station, authorizes pursuit of adjacent lot

The Soldier Township Board on July 8 approved a design‑build contract with KBS to design and construct a new fire station and authorized staff to pursue acquiring an adjacent lot to address site constraints.

Todd Luckman, the board’s legal counsel, told trustees he had reviewed the KBS contract and ‘‘approves of it as written,’’ after which Member Mike Mathes moved to approve the agreement and Member Jerry Glasgow seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Administrator Audree Guzman told the board the lot already purchased for the project is limited by its size and an existing drainage channel, constraints that could restrict building layout. Guzman said the owner of the vacant lot immediately south of the parcel has agreed to further discussion; the board voted to authorize Guzman to pursue purchase or an exchange of that lot. Member Mathes moved the authorization and Member Glasgow seconded; the motion carried.

The board also called a special meeting for July 21 to host a fire station open house so the public and campaign supporters can review plans and ask questions. The open house was described by trustees as a first step in sharing information about the project and the need for it.

Guzman and staff are working with KBS and other consultants on plan footprints and expect to see preliminary exterior renderings and a layout in the coming week. The board’s next steps include receiving the preliminary layout and budget, and continuing coordination with the Bond Campaign Committee ahead of any voter measures or funding actions.