During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed plans for the establishment of two new fire stations in underserved areas, aiming to enhance public safety and response times for both police and fire services. The proposed temporary stations will be located in the northwest and southeast regions, with a focus on improving accessibility and efficiency.

Councilman Weinberg expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for temporary stations to address current service gaps. The chief of fire services indicated that, weather permitting, the temporary structures could be operational within 60 to 90 days after procurement approval. The council is considering a debt issuance proposal of approximately $3.7 million to fund these stations, with the possibility of reallocating any surplus funds for future fire station needs.

The discussion also touched on the costs associated with building new permanent fire stations, estimated between $8 million to $12 million, depending on size and land acquisition. The council is exploring hybrid stations that would accommodate both fire and police services, with plans to integrate additional space for police substations in the new designs.

In addition to the fire station discussions, the council reviewed proposals for increasing impact fees related to police, fire, and transportation services. The proposed increases aim to address the growing demands on city infrastructure and public safety resources. Council members debated the implications of these increases on affordability for residents, with some advocating for maximum increases while others expressed concerns about the potential burden on homebuyers.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the proposed impact fee increases, pending further public hearings and community engagement. The council is committed to ensuring that the city's growth is managed responsibly while maintaining a focus on public safety and infrastructure development.