The architectural and engineering firm Shive-Hattery has told the Danville City Council that their evaluation of Danville’s three fire stations shows that all three should be rebuilt, and two of them should be moved to different locations.
The Council was told during Tuesday (Feb 20th) evening’s meeting that even the newest fire station, 26 year old Station One at 301 West Seminary Street, has reached the end of it’s life span. And not only is this for structural reasons, but also for the health and safety of the firefighters. As Shive-Hattery’s Andrew Avara explains, in looking at the number of firefighter deaths related to cancer, much more emphasis must be placed these days on removing contaminants. And that’s one thing the proposed stations’ designs would do.
AUDIO: Many of the materials that are used in modern day constructions, when they’re on fire, give off carcinogens and toxins; and that brings them back to the station. And (it’s all about) being mindful of cleaning them, and separating them from the living quarters and separating them from the apparatus bay.
While Station Two, currently at Vermilion and Chester, would stay in the same general vicinity; Station One on West Seminary would be moved to the downtown area, and it would become the department’s main headquarters. The current main headquarters, Station Three on Griffin, would be moved further east and become a regular station. One part of Shive-Hattery’s study showed that over a three year period, 43% of nearly 13,000 DFD calls ended up taking over four minutes to get to their locations. Spokespersons Avara and Daniel Spake stated that under their new locations proposal, that would drop down to 29%.
(1st Picture) Shive-Hattery’s Andrew Avara and Daniel Spake address the City Council. (2nd Picture) The proposal calls for Station 3 on Griffin Street to be moved east, and to no longer be the department headquarters.
The proposed total cost of everything, including projected land acquisition, comes in at $29.38 million dollars; with Shive-Hattery saying giving the current ones needed upgrades would cost 85 to 90% of that, without the advantage of ideal modern sized facilities. City Engineer Sam Cole says the benefit of adjusting the locations of two of the three stations was the most important thing learned in his eyes.
AUDIO: We knew there were issues with the stations. That’s why we did the study in the first place. But what we didn’t know was “do they make sense where they are?” And to get an honest look at what that is, and to be able to make decisions that can move the community forward for the long term; that’s my big take away from it.
Fire Chief Aaron Marcott says he is grateful for Shive-Hattery’s work; and hopes for a green light from the Council, to make the new stations become reality while he’s in office.
AUDIO: Now it’s just a matter of getting more information as we can, supply them (the Council) so they can make the best decisions. (Do you think you’ll see it while you’re chief?) I hope so.
Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr stated that this major project would have to be bonded, and the first thing he would want to do is improve the city’s bond rating another notch or so before the city fully commits to such a major overhaul.
AUDIO: We once refunded our bonds, when I came on early on. And that improved our credit rating two notches. That process took, I think, about six months. So, my guess is that it would be similar, that we would be looking at a similar six month process or so.
Also during Tuesday’s Council meeting was discussion over proposed adjustments to the city’s liquor and video gaming ordinance. In addition to various fee adjustments, proposed changes would also include getting the liquor and video gaming licenses on a schedule where they are renewed at the same time. But it would also create new video gaming licenses for places not serving liquor, such as special licenses for truck stops or “video gaming halls.” Mayor Williams says he’s hoping to have this before the Public Services Committee on February 27th, and then back before the full City Council on March 5th.
In addition, Corporation Council James Simon was recognized by the mayor and council, in anticipation of his retirement.
