The city fire department committee Monday night took no action but took steps that could guide fire station plans.
The city could put $2 million toward a total $4 million project, according to very preliminary numbers mentioned at the meeting.
No vote has been taken on appropriation or whether the station should be renovated or replaced.
A preliminary budget will help move the project planning forward, said firefighter and committee member Matt Schaaf.
Fundraising and federal grants could help with the cost.
“There are people and businesses out there who want to donate,” said Alan Schrank, a firefighter and chair of the fire department addition or remodel committee. “We don’t have anything established for that. We can get this done. We just have to work together as a team.”
The 60-year-old station, owned by the city, has immediate and longterm needs.
Equipment has increased in size, and the current station lacks decontamination facilities. Firefighters can be exposed to carcinogens on a call and need decontamination showers and washers and dryers for gear.
The committee discussed mitigation measures to improve air circula- tion and humidity at the current station. But members want to know if a commercial dehumidifier and ventilation system could be used in a renovated station.
The committee also:
- Explored an intergovernmental agreement for the creation of a fire district, which could qualify the city to use a levy limit exception.
- Discussed a memorandum of understanding of the city’s intention to finance a replacement fire truck. Committee member and firefighter Bryan Marr said he preferred a memorandum of agreement, which can be legally binding, over a memorandum of understanding, which signifies “intent but not obligation. That’s not a contract.” City officials said the city cannot obligate a future council.