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Committee to seek quotes and negotiate options for Building 1 replacement or new-build station
Summary
After extensive discussion about space, bays, parking and costs, the body directed staff to solicit new quotes and begin negotiations for Building 1 (options: renovate existing structure, purchase a prefabricated model, or build new). Members emphasized truck dimensions, training/office space and site constraints.
Committee members spent the bulk of the meeting debating whether to renovate the existing site or pursue a new or relocated "Building 1" to serve fire and EMS needs. Speakers raised multiple operational concerns: S5 cautioned that the middle section in the proposed plan would lose interior width and reduce office/ambulance space; S2 said, "I went and measured each 1 of our trucks. I submitted to you guys," indicating staff had already provided vehicle dimensions for planning.
Cost estimates and models drove much of the discussion. S2 noted recent local station builds and prevailing wages, saying contractors had quoted roughly "$5.50 to $6.50 per square foot" in one cited example and noting a high-side estimate of about $650 per square foot for a 16,000-ft² Building 1 (discussion translating that to roughly a $10 million figure in conversation). Members discussed options to buy or adapt existing station designs (Saint Joe example) or pursue split stations that share kitchens and training rooms to save money. After discussion, S3 moved and S8 seconded a motion to pursue negotiations and gather firm quotes (including for a ~15,000–16,000-ft² new-build alternative); staff were directed to report back with negotiated pricing and options.
The meeting captured disagreements over site placement (concerns about losing parking and proximity to hydrants and sewers) and repeatedly emphasized the need for precise drawings and overlays to verify fit before committing to a plan. The committee asked for comparative quotes, sample designs and schedules that would allow the body to compare renovation versus new-build costs and timeframes.
