Willard work session weighs expanding existing fire station versus building new to house ambulance

Chair (S1) opened the Willard City work session and framed the issue: the city needs space for an ambulance and is considering options to expand the existing fire station or construct a new facility across the street. Staff described three preliminary building options and the need for stamped design drawings to obtain inspections.

Staff (S2) said the preliminary figures include a material-only and a material-plus-labor breakdown, noting "if we take just the mason building you're 565,000 in estimated cost of material and just over 1000000 dollars" for material plus labor. The group emphasized the distinction between material-only lines and total project costs, and that foundation, roof and other systems may not be included in single-line estimates.

Councilors and staff discussed code constraints raised by the structural engineer: bringing the old building fully up to current code would require more extensive interior work unless sprinklers are added; an engineer had told the group that "if you sprinkle it, we could build it out of wood" (S3). That option could materially affect costs and materials choices but depends on an approved, stamped design.

The meeting left the session with a set of next steps: staff will compile sketches and clearer scopes, pursue vendor contacts for pre-engineered systems, and draft a statement of work that specifies the preferred construction approach so consultants deliver designs aligned with the city's needs. A councilor expressed support for exploring both a modest expansion and a new-build scenario, noting the city must balance cost, timing and functionality as it moves forward.

The article reports discussion and proposals at the work session; no formal motion or vote was recorded in the transcript.