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Fire Service Committee July 15, 1999 Page 5 lane, would add about fourteen feet of pavement and that we would probably add curb and gutter, address drainage needs which are fairly trivial compared to project, and we would have to acquire additional right of way. He stated that we would end up with forty -four foot wide street, not in conformance with the current city ordinance, although it meets Texas Department of Transportation standards for lane widths. The street would be forty -four feet wide from back of curb to back of curb. The cost estimate is based on improving with asphalt, salvaging what pavement currently exists. This estimated cost, including legal, engineering, and right of way, with contingencies would be about $260,000.00. He stated that he did not take a close look, but was just making a guess estimate. Deputy Chief Neece stated that we have evaluated the traffic patterns in the area, been out there at all hours of the day and night and in all traffic situations. The Deputy Chiefs and the Chief do not feel that it will be a catastrophic situation. He stated that it was not ideal, but that the Lamar Avenue location is much worse and trying to get out of the present east side station on Lamar Avenue is a nightmare because it is too close to the road with too short an entrance ramp. The traffic is constantly having wrecks in front of east side. He added that we have more problems with Lamar than any other area. Deputy Chief Neece explains about the National Fire Protection Association, the NFPA, which in some states has been adopted and has force of law. He adds that Texas has not adopted NFPA standards and regulations as law, however, it is seen as reasonable and prudent standard throughout all fire services in Texas. In Paris, all of our trucks are NFPA compliant as far as warning lighting, sirens, compartment space, pumps, hose, bunker gear, helmets, boots, etc., we continue to stay NFPA compliant. We followed NFPA recommendations as far as land needs, floor space, building utilities, spaces, response districts, and things of that nature with respect to these recommendations. Deputy Chief Neece handed out copies of NFPA standards with some highlighting. He stated that in every aspect of fire service we try to follow NFPA standards, using the guidelines for sizing of stations and bays. Deputy Chief Neece, referring to the floor plans, reviewed two options and stated that we could draw up others. The department would like to construct a station that would be adequate for at least twenty years, barring unforseen major changes in fire service. He pointed out that the department no longer just fights fires, but that the department now goes on medical calls, first responder calls, carries AED and provides numerous other services. He noted that rescue is one of fastest growing service areas along with confined space, hazmat, and airport crash rescue. There is also a lot of service now provided to industry. The department is working with Fire Service Committee July 15, 1999 Page 5