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Fire Service Committee July 15, 1999 Page 10 be much higher now, noting that construction materials are up in price and building is booming. He noted that sheetrock and concrete are higher. Deputy Chief Neece reviewed the current proposed site plans for Pine Mill Road and Jefferson Road and noted that many details would be worked out with the architect. There followed a discussion of station setback from the right of way and aprons and a discussion of facing the south east station at Jefferson Road and 24th SE to the east, facing Dragon Park, providing some security for the walking track as an added bonus. Deputy Chief Ronnie Grooms stated that what is now Phase I and Phase 2, when first proposed, were all one stage and that their original proposal was to build Station 1 at its present location while building the other two substations at the same time. Department personnel at the time stressed that the other two stations would have to be built concurrently with Station 1 when it relocated. Because of funding constraints, it had been decided to put the project in two phases and over time, various events occurred to stall the completion of Phase II, which is desperately needed to provide appropriate coverage for all areas of the city. Councilman Bell stated that he foresees ever increasing needs in the future. Deputy Chief Neece noted that it is important to have paid full time staff ready to go and that, in rural areas, a full time paid department might not be needed as much as in crowded city. In rural areas, generally houses are far apart and are insured. As long as the people get out, it might be more acceptable that the house burns down and insurance pays. However, in the city, houses tend to be close to others and several may catch on fire at the same time, causing a much greater threat to life and property. He stated that in the country, a house fire is not likely to catch the neighbors house on fire. Chief Burgin talked about increased code enforcement, sprinkler systems, and other things to be considered after the two additional stations are built. He noted that you can fight fire as good with a pencil as you can with fire trucks and men. Chairman Manning suggested in a motion that the Fire Service Committee approve both of these fire stations with the site plans and the floor plans of the buildings and all of the recommendations of Phase II, with the work to start as soon as possible. The Fire Service Committee unanimously adopted the recommendations of the fire department personnel in Phase II, including the two stations, the locations selected, the approximately 6,000 square foot floor plans for future stations. Chairman Manning cast his vote and voted the proxies of Mayor Pro Tern Mary Ann Fisher and Fire Service Committee July 15, 1999 Page 10