11/03/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Fire Service Committee November 3, 1998 Page 2 Deputy Fire Chief Steve Neece presented a slide presentation giving a history of the fire stations in the City bringing the Committee forward to the present. Mr. Neece said the proposal calls for hiring six additional firefighters for a minimum of three men per engine. Phase Two of the plan is to move the east side substation to the northeast portion of Loop 286 and construct another substation near the southeast portion of Loop 286 which would boost the coverage in the southern part of the City. This would give the City a station on the south side of the railroad tracks even though there is not much concern now, but they will still have a major access route that can be blocked by a train. Mr. Neece said this would allow them to maintain major thoroughfares, be able to move north, south, east and west, be able to have direct access back into the heart of the City along with having quick access to the major thoroughfares to the outlying areas of the City. He pointed out that there are gaps, but the goal is to cover the majority of the built upon area within the zones and to maintain quick responses. The locations of the stations are based on where they feel response could be made quickly to all areas of the City, provide even coverage for all residents, maintain a three minute response to businesses, and a five minute response to residences. Mr. Neece said the steps to Phase Two are to order the engines and which are currently on order, scheduled for delivery in December, acquire the station sites that have been identified, hire additional firefighters for the January Fire Academy at Texas A & M in Commerce, build the northeast and southeast stations, and budget for the three additional firefighters late this budget year or the next budget year to complete the staffing requirements. Mr. Neece presented a proposed floor plan for the fire stations which consists of approximately 6,000 square feet, three bay all pull - through design, living quarters for six people which could accommodate an engine company of four men and an ambulance or a squad company of two men. He said the reason for this is they do not want to come up in twenty years where we are now with the east and west station being undersized and inadequate. Mr. Neece discussed the change in insurance rating by the State in relation to the type of fire protection provided and the effect it has on the cost associated with the new rating with the Committee.