HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2007-08-13 #O
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AGENDA REPORT
DATE:
August 13, 2007
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
David Carmany, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Status of Fire station #48
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Receive and file this report. Direct the City Manager to prepare a preliminary facility
plan.
BACKGROUND:
This is a thought piece about Fire Station 48. It is submitted for Councillpublic
information
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Fire department capital facilities in Seal Beach consist of two fire stations, which are
exposed to some of the most intense and demanding uses of any public facility. The
stations are located at 3131 Beverly Manor Road (Station 48) and 718 Central Avenue
(Station 44). Both of these fire stations are owned by the City. Staffing is provided via a
cash contract with the Orange County Fire Authority.
Station 48 is staffed with an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) pwnper engine
company, paramedic van unit and relief paramedic van. The personnel using this facility
respond to about ten calls/day, approximately 3,700 calls/year. Station 48 has been
occupied literally around the clock since it was constructed in 1968 and is an integral part
of the fabric of the community it serves. Firefighters assigned to a fire station identify
very closely with the residents of "their" area and they feel strongly about their duty to
serve their area. Station 48's flag proudly proclaiIns "Keepers of the World".
Station 48 is in the right location, on a site that is appropriate for the deployment of the
resources, and meeting the current and anticipated needs of the community. OCFA
Division Chief Jorge Camargo has reviewed a computer model confirming what the
professional fire fighters know intuitively; it is strategically appropriate to have a station
at this location.
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The condition and serviceability of the existing structure and its major systems affects the
ability of the station to serve the community. Of note, no one working there has been
complaining about the conditions. Quite the opposite, OCFA fire personnel are doing an
exemplary job in a marginal facility.
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The building is in disrepair and requires both short and long-term attention. It has not
been evaluated nor has it been retrofitted to meet seismic standards. Other problems
include a 12-inch sag in the roof over the apparatus floor, (recently) rats, kitchen cabinets
that have fallen off the wall and not been replaced, and leaking plumbing. The
permanent fitness facilities are closed due to leaking roof, dry rot, failing stairs, and
possible structural deficiencies. The floors, bearing walls, restrooms, heat, air
conditioning, water, gas, and wastewater systems, are not in compliance with current
local, state or national code standards. The design and layout of the three major
components: office, dormitory/day room, or apparatus room do not meet the current
standards envisioned in the OCFA "Fire Station Development Guide". The site lacks a
perimeter security fence.
Following analysis and discussions with OCFA Property Manager Steve Chambers and
Architect Doug Andresen, city staff has concluded that 1) the building is at the end of its
useful life, 2) remodeling is not cost effective and 3) the building needs to be replaced.
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A primary focus of attention in developing a replacement facility plan will be towards
developing a plan that will meet the identified needs of this facility to adequately respond
to the projected demands for calls for service over the anticipated useful life of a new
facility. Additional thought should also be given to master planning for emergency
facilities that could ultimately be needed long-term. Examples of this could include life-
flight, fuel, and/or training (tower) facility on the site or incorporating into the station a
meeting room that could also function as an additional, although secondary, "emergency
operations center" capability in case the current facilities at the Police Station are not
available for use due to natural disaster affecting the Newport-Inglewood Fault (the
Police Station is approximately 0.5 miles from the identified fault line).
This is an exciting and necessary project. We have an opportunity to design a new
facility to meet the needs of the fire service for many years to come, complying with all
legally applicable health, safety, building, and fire code requirements.
Essential public facilities are expensive; recent stations built to OCF A standards have
been costing $4.5 million dollars apiece, and more. A fire station recently constructed by
the Los Angeles County Fire Department cost approximately 51,000/ square foot.
Taxpayers require that the city be a good steward of their money when undertaking a
maj or capital proj ect such as this. They also demand that the facilities used to provide
fire and emergency medical services work when they are needed. Although fiscal impact
is unknown at this juncture, options for financing could include pay-as-you-go, lease-
purchase, and conventional debt. At this point it probably makes sense to first develop a
plan and explore all viable options before committing to any definite course of action.
FUTURE STEPS:
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rbi.s is a long-term project now on a very distant horizon. Staff envisions a process of
working with the community, OCF A, architect, and appropriate city staff to develop a
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comprehensive ''facility plan" to replace this important public service facility within the
community.
A "preliminary facility plan" would be prepared and reviewed by the City Council and
appropriate reviewing bodies at OCF A prior to any authorization to proceed with "final
facility design plan." Upon completion of a ''final facility design plan" there would a
formal City Council review and consideration of the plans and an authorization to
proceed to the preparation of final construction and financing plans.
It is anticipated that the planning process, including an analysis of means and methods of
financing, could take several months to complete.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and1i1e this report. Direct the City Manager to prepare a preliminary facility
plan.
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David Carmany, City Manager
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