The Port Washington City Council convened a meeting to discuss the proposed public safety building, emphasizing the need for modern facilities to accommodate the growing community. Alderman Tierney was excused, and Alderman Gasper was expected to arrive shortly. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an overview of the session's objectives, which included presentations from police and fire chiefs, architects, and city staff.

The council's focus was on understanding the historical context and current needs driving the project. The mayor highlighted the strategic plan developed by the council, which included commitments to explore a new senior center and a combined safety center for police and fire departments. The council has already invested approximately $575,900 in planning and design for the safety center, which aims to consolidate services and reduce costs.

Deputy Chief Joe Devore of the fire department addressed the historical inadequacies of the current fire station, built in 1969 when the department was entirely volunteer-based. He noted that the facility has not kept pace with the department's evolution into a combination of full-time and part-time staff, leading to significant space shortages for equipment, training, and meetings.

The meeting served as a work session, allowing council members to ask questions and engage with the experts present. The chiefs and their command staffs were prepared to provide insights into the specific needs of the fire and police departments, as well as the anticipated tax impact of the proposed building. The session concluded with an invitation for council members and community members to tour the existing firehouse and police station to better understand the facilities' limitations.

As Port Washington continues to grow, with a population surpassing 13,000, the council is committed to ensuring that public safety services are adequately supported by modern infrastructure. The discussions highlighted the importance of proactive planning to meet the demands of a developing community.