Fire Chief Steve Kyle and representatives from Brandstetter Carroll and Emergency Services Consulting International presented results of analyzing the fire department's existing fire stations and operations, then made recommendations about future facilities, staffing, and the estimated cost of the changes.
Paducah's five fire stations were built from 1954 to 1980. It was pointed out that building codes and designs for fire stations have changed greatly in the past ten or fifteen years. In fact, the older buildings do not meet current design requirements for equipment storage, living spaces and shower accomodations.
That look back led to a look ahead at what the consultants thought would be needed, and where future fire stations should be located to best serve where Paducah's growth is expected to take place over the next ten years.
They said that if Paducah simply maintained their five existing fire stations, it would cost about $3.5 million to meet immediate maintenance needs.
To thoroughly renovate or make structural additions to any existing fire station, costs would start at about $3 million per station.
New construction of an individual fire station would range from $7-9 million for 10,000 square feet. (The city's current fire stations range from 2200 to 7000 square feet.). A new headquarters at 18,000 square feet could cost up to $15 million.
Ultimately, the consultants recommended a four-station model for Paducah, while moving their locations over time to be most effective to cover the city's future growth areas.
They also recommended an increased level of staffing at each fire station.
While there are no plans to implement any of the recommendations of the study, Mayor Bray said that the city needs to start working on putting money in a capital infrastructure fund to pay for future facility upgrades.
In other action, commissioners approved moving forward with cement stabilization in the amount of $103,779 to prepare for the new road for the dog parks in Noble Park.
Commissioners approved a measure to demolish the Ketterjohn Building at 1501 Broadway. Demolition is set to begin on March 22 and take about two weeks. The contract for $221,000 was awarded to Complete Demolition of Carrollton, GA.
Also, the city's new diversity specialist, Daisha Johnson was introduced to the commission.
On the Net:
Video of commission meeting - March 12
