Council hears $1.4M–$1.5M estimate to build Fire Station 3; ratifies promotions and approves equipment repairs

Council members and staff discussed capital plans and near-term maintenance needs for the city’s fire and water infrastructure during the May 2 session.

The city engineer and mayor told council members the estimate for a combined new fire station and apparatus is roughly $1.4–$1.5 million and recommended pursuing options that combine station and apparatus purchases to reduce closing costs. The mayor said the engineer will present detailed plans and cost estimates at the next (Monday) meeting and suggested exploring low-interest municipal financing and League-run funding options.

On personnel, the council considered a motion to ratify promotions and a pay-scale for the fire department after interim promotions and pay changes had been implemented; the promotions mentioned in the discussion included Captain Josh Davis and several lieutenants (Tommy Brown and others). Council discussed whether interim compensation had been paid before formal ratification and sought to clarify past approvals.

Council approved several operational purchases and repairs discussed in the session. Public-works staff presented quotes for soft-start replacement on a pump (~$4,854) and recommended inspection and oil service (~$2,100) for certain lift-station equipment to reduce water-hammer and improve pump performance. Council also considered larger VFD-drive options for improved flow control (quoted options in staff packet, approximately $19,000 referenced in discussion). Motions were made to proceed with these repairs and equipment purchases.

A resolution to acquire roughly 9 acres for a future water tower — structured as a land-for-water-taps trade that would not require cash outlay — was introduced; council moved to table that resolution until the engineer’s full presentation on Monday.

The mayor stressed the importance of pairing station and apparatus procurement and pursuing grants and low-interest financing to limit cash outlays; council agreed to examine options when the engineer provides detailed schematics and cost breakdowns at the next meeting.

Next steps include the engineer’s Monday presentation with blueprints and costs, formal ratification votes on personnel actions where necessary, and follow-up procurement approvals once specific vendor quotes and funding sources are confirmed.