Doug Boker, the new fire chief for Fulshear Simonton Emergency Services District 4, proposed placing a ZapStand public-access automatic external defibrillator (AED) at Eagle Landing Park and asked the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission to identify a location and provide infrastructure.

Why it matters: The device would make an AED visible and accessible at sports fields year-round and would include a cellular link to 9-1-1, GPS tracking and vendor maintenance. The ESD offered to cover the vendor lease and maintenance while asking the city to supply concrete and power.

Boker described the ZapStand product and the ESD’s proposed financial role. “I’m Doug Boker. I’m the new fire chief for Fulshear Simonton ESD 4,” he said, and explained the vendor model: an initial negotiated equipment price of $10,000, then a $2,500 ongoing payment with a 3% escalation over a 25‑year lease. He said the ESD would commit to the lease and handle maintenance and replacement if vandalized or obsolete.

Commissioners and staff discussed implementation logistics and costs. Staff said they had plan sheets for the foundation and that Cliff, the project reviewer, was assessing whether the site layout would accommodate the stand and what the foundation and electrical work would require. Commissioners asked for an estimate of ongoing electrical costs and whether the city would be liable for maintenance; Boker said the vendor would handle repairs and routine upkeep and that the ESD would pay the vendor fees.

The discussion covered operational details: the stand remotely connects to 9-1-1 and opens a locked box that releases the AED, the device is climate controlled, and the vendor replaces batteries, pads and AED hardware as models update. Boker said the ESD intends to bring a contract to its board for approval; he asked the commission for a site and for the city to consider contributing installation funds for this first unit so future installations can be included in park design.

Commissioners asked whether the city could use partner or league funds or bond funds to cover some or all installation and electrical work. Staff said they would request cost proposals and review whether available project budgets (for Eagle Landing or Primrose) or partnership contributions could cover the work.

Discussion points and next steps included: staff will obtain site foundation and electrical cost proposals; Cliff will complete technical review of the plan sheets; the ESD will take a contract to its board for funding approval; commissioners will consider whether the parks fund can contribute seed money for the first unit and whether future installations should be designed into park plans.

Commissioners generally expressed strong support for the concept while asking for precise cost estimates before any formal city commitment.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the proposal during the meeting.