The Mapleton City Council convened on September 17, 2025, to discuss critical long-term plans for public safety staffing and facilities. The meeting focused on the increasing call volumes and response times for emergency services, particularly in light of the city's rapid growth.

Mayor and council members acknowledged the contributions of Chief Jackson, Chief Glasgow, and their teams in preparing for the discussion. They reviewed data from the past three to four years, noting an average of approximately 500 calls per year within Mapleton, with projections indicating a rise to around 570 to 580 calls in 2025. The council highlighted that 80% of these calls are emergency medical services (EMS), with a significant portion of calls originating from the southern areas of the city.

The average response time currently stands at 5 minutes and 52 seconds, with some areas experiencing delays of up to 11 minutes. This prompted discussions on the need for additional public safety facilities, particularly a second fire station in the southern part of Mapleton, to improve response times and accommodate the growing population.

Council members debated various options, including expanding the existing public safety building or constructing a new station in a centralized location. The estimated costs for these projects range from $3 million to $15 million, depending on the scope and location. The council also discussed the implications of staffing a new station, with estimates suggesting that a fully staffed station would require an annual budget of approximately $1.2 million.

The conversation highlighted the urgency of addressing public safety needs in light of the city's growth, with council members expressing a consensus on the necessity of a second station. However, they also acknowledged the importance of gathering more data to inform their decisions, particularly regarding call volumes and response times.

In conclusion, the council agreed to pursue a needs assessment to better understand the timing and financial implications of expanding public safety facilities. They emphasized the importance of making informed decisions that prioritize public safety while being mindful of taxpayer dollars. The council plans to reconvene to discuss the findings and potential next steps in the coming months.