Memorandum

To: City Commission

From:              James A. McSwain, Fire/Medical Chief

Mike Wildgen, City Manager

Date: March 19, 2004

Re:                  Fire and Medical Station No. 5 and Administrative Offices

The information provided in this submittal is provided to assist the City Commission in their decision making process for the next phase of the subject project.  A study session has been set for Wednesday, April 7^th at 8:30 a.m. for the City Commission.  At that time, Sabatini Architects will provide an overview of the design options and staff will formally present the information in this memo. 

Summary of noteworthy items from attached “Background Paper”:

• The project is included in the 1996 Public Safety Report approved by the City Commission.
• The new station at 2128 Harper was built as recommended in the Report, and replaced the station at Haskell Ave & Moodie Road, which has been converted to a training/maintenance facility for the Department.  The last time a station was added to the system was in 1982.
• Fire service is a component of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating system. (Fire service = 50%; water service = 40%; communications system = 10%).  Lawrence is currently rated by ISO a “2” on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the highest rating.
• The project is necessary to meet the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1710 Standard for staffing and deployment.

Ø Staffing standard – maintain required response levels for two simultaneous structure fires in the city

Ø Response time standard – provide emergency response as follows: 4 minutes 90% for first unit (current average response for first unit is 5.22 minutes); 8 minutes 90% for full assignment; 4 minutes 90% for EMS response (current EMS response is 5.22 minutes)

• Currently, we do not have adequate staffing to meet the NFPA staffing standard noted above for two simultaneous structure fires.  While this situation occurs infrequently, two simultaneous structure fires with our current staffing levels would not allow for immediate interior search and rescue of trapped or endangered citizens without compromising the safety of firefighters.

• During the September 23, 2003 City Commission study session, the department briefed the Commission on the background and status of this project.  As a result of that meeting, the City Manager proceeded to sign a land agreement with Kansas University Endowment Association (KUEA) and a programming and conceptual design contract with Sabatini and Associates.
• KUEA has approved the concept and design as provided by Sabatini and Associates.  An option is included that would allow for centralized offices for department administrative staff.
• In order to provide adequate staffing for the new station, we anticipate the hiring of 9 FTE the last quarter of 2005.
• Approval this spring would allow construction to begin the first quarter of 2005 with opening first quarter of 2006. (see attached CIP)
• A Quint (combination fire engine and ladder) will need to be purchased as part of this plan to be placed at Station No. 1.  This apparatus will need to be ordered the last quarter of 2004.  The estimated cost is $525,000.
• Fiscal Note – The construction of this project could require a mill increase for the annual bond payments and the annual operating/personnel costs (see attachment)

c:         Dale Seuferling (KUEA)

            Debbie VanSaun, Asst. City Manager

            David Corliss, Asst. City Manager

Ed Mullins, Finance Director

Craig Weinaug (Douglas County Administrator)

Attachments:

            Station Location Map

            Capital Improvement Plan

Station No. 5 Background Paper w/attachments

            Proposed Floor Plan

            Fire Service Coverage Maps