Committee authorizes RFQ for fire department storage building

The Emergency Services Committee voted to authorize the fire department to initiate a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire an engineer to design a storage building large enough for six vehicles.

Chair called for a motion and, after a second from Steve, the committee conducted a voice vote. The Chair announced, “You have your authorization.”

Ken Buckmaster, who led the department report, said an engineer is needed to produce a single set of drawings that can be used for competitive bidding. “If I can get an engineer drawing, I can get honest bid straight up with the same drawing,” Buckmaster told the committee. He said the department has budgeted to pay for engineering but would not fund a construction draw from that account.

Buckmaster gave a preliminary estimate for engineering and construction costs and said he expected the RFQ and design process to take three to four months. He told members he thought engineer fees would be in the low thousands and that the department would then be able to solicit bids for construction.

The authorization allows staff and the fire department to prepare and issue an RFQ. The committee did not record individual roll‑call votes or itemize a construction budget; the vote was taken by voice.

Next steps: staff will advertise the RFQ, accept engineer qualifications, and return to the committee with design options and bid estimates once an engineering firm is selected and drawings are complete.