Ward Meeting Features Safety Center Discussion

 City Councilors Betsey Buckheit and Jim Pokorney held their joint ward meeting in the bay of the Northfield Fire Department on Saturday, June 6. Not surprisingly, the city’s analysis of the future of the Safety Center was the main topic of the morning.

Chief of Police Mark Taylor outlined the limitations of the space of his department which include pressures created by a staff increase of 83% in the past 10 years. Gary Franek, Fire Chief said while the present location of the department is at the city’s mid point, there is no room to expand on the present site. He urged participants to tour the bay to see how tightly packed the vehicles and equipment are there. The group did not tour the rest of the building.

You had to admire how the fire fighters managed to wedge the large rigs and other equipment in the bay. There's not much space for firefighters to squeeze through to get to their uniforms before starting up the trucks when called to service. Franek had to climb a ladder to turn off the noisy air exchange equipment so that the gathered group could hear speakers.  The staff maintains equipment in the crowded workshop wedged between the enormous fire rigs and the south wall. 

Finance Director Kathleen McBride answered questions about funding a newly constructed safety center. City Administrator Joel Walinski distributed a memo outlining financing options. The city will apply for federal stimulus funds, there may be funds contributed by the rural fire department partners, but the primary funding source would be a bond issue by the city. The total cost is dependent on the building size, land acquisition, and the decision about the future of the present building.

At the council’s June 22 meeting, a task force appointed by the council earlier this year, will report their recommendation. These may include options for a site for a new facility; whether both departments should be served in a new site, or whether the police department could remain at a remodeled current site and a new one built for the fire department; and funding possibilities the council should consider (including, perhaps, seeking voter approval of a bond issue). Walinski said that an application for stimulus money must be ready in July, so the council won’t have much time to deliberate before making a final decision, should they want to qualify. yes">   

For more information about the task force go to: http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/projects/pd/2009/6/11/safety_center_task_force On this page you can find the Space Needs Analysis Report done by Wold consultants and a full report on the financing options. 

As the ward meeting broke up, Julie and Terry Heilman arrived at the Safety Center with balloons and a cake in preparation for the celebration of their grandson’s 4th birthday. A busy place!