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Verbal Update from the Fire
Chief regarding proposed new Fire Station.
The
Fire Chief provided a verbal update with respect to the proposed new Fire
Station 4-5. He provided answers to some of the queries raised at the previous
CYFS-JCC meeting held in March, 2016. Discussion ensued regarding Fire
Services Report 2015-08 which was deferred to a future meeting and has not
been brought back to the Committee for consideration. Chief Laing advised
that the proposed new station should incorporate training, suppression and
administration in order to be most cost effective in providing service. He
further advised that the York Regional Police Chief was contacted to
discuss training opportunities and he was informed that partnership
opportunities had been sought, however, not enough interest was gained and
the Police Department moved ahead with other plans for training needs and
activities. The Fire Chief further explained that there could be
opportunity for classroom space rental however, such space does not meet
the needs of the Fire Department and would remove the firefighters out of
the first response area. He further advised that keeping staff within the
first response area allows for cost savings as they do not have to offset
overtime expenses. The Fire Chief queried possible available space at the
Newmarket Municipal Offices for Fire Services Administration. He suggested
that if space is available there, that he, the Chief Officers and
Administration staff could temporarily be housed there to allow for
renovations at Station 4-1 for Fire Prevention.
The
Fire Chief provided a verbal update regarding the design costs and advised
that $7,000,000 is available from development charges, with approximately
$350,000 being architect design drawings. He concluded by informing those
present that design and construction has a two year time frame attached to
it and the Chief advised he would like to see the design and building
footings completed in 2016 with a goal of completion for mid-2018.
Moved
by: Councillor Mrakas
Seconded
by: Councillor Hempen
THAT
the verbal update presentation by the Fire Chief with respect to the
proposed new Fire Station be received.
Carried
Councillor
Sponga queried the status of Fire Services Report 2015-08, the Deputy Clerk
– Newmarket advised that said report was considered at the October, 2015
CYFS-JCC meeting and deferred to a future meeting. Councillor Sponga
advised he would like to see that report come back to CYFS-JCC as opposed
to a verbal update. The Chief Administrative Officer, Newmarket advised
that a report will be brought back and there may be a need to work with a
consultant to address more details.
Discussion
ensued regarding cost savings of temporarily housing staff at the Newmarket
Municipal Offices, the Fire Chief advised of preference to have management
work with staff and an advantage to moving sooner than later would be for
renovations to commence for Fire Prevention. Councillor Abel advised that
there may be some space available at the old library facility in Aurora.
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