Kennedale — During its strategic planning session, the Kennedale City Council and staff prioritized public‑safety investments that the council said are necessary to meet projected growth, including exploring a second fire station, completing a police department remodel and expanding public safety cameras and vehicle replacement plans.

Participants discussed the city’s current fire and police facilities and staffing. City staff said an upcoming police remodel will add space and is intended to meet needs for roughly the next decade, while some councilmembers said a secondary fire station should remain on a 10‑year aspirational list. Members also discussed equipment replacement scheduling and the need to formalize a vehicle‑replacement plan across departments.

Council discussion covered operational details: staff noted the police remodel will expand the building and add roughly 10,000 square feet through a remodel and addition, which should delay the need for a new building for about 10 years. Councilmembers voiced support for a phased approach to emergency services capacity — maintain and remodel the existing station while identifying strategic land and funding for a second station in the city’s southern end. Several members also urged the city to pursue partnerships with Tarrant County or other regional agencies for shared resources.

Public‑safety technology and maintenance needs were discussed as well. Staff described requests for expanded camera coverage at key intersections and a desire for smarter vehicle and equipment procurement (for example, adding modern onboard technology and establishing a documented replacement schedule). Council directed staff to provide a prioritized checklist of public‑safety capital items, cost estimates and potential grant opportunities, and to return with a proposed replacement and maintenance schedule for fleet and major equipment.

Council members emphasized that many of the items are capital investments that will require long‑term funding plans; staff said some items could be candidates for grant matching funds, while others would require allocation in future budgets.