HomeMy WebLinkAboutVII (D) Discussion/ Action re: Relocation of Fire Station OneRON STROSNIDER
FIRE CHIEF
OCOEE FIRE DEPARTMENT
125 N BLUFORD AVE
OCOEE, FL34761
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Ronald D. Strosnider, Fire Chiefrf,('I 0.05
DATE: April 20, 1999
RE: RELOCATION OF FIRE STATION ONE.
Background
Agenda 4-20-99
Item VII D
BUSINESS 407-656-7796
FAX 407-656-1222
Fire Station One, located on the City Hall campus at 125 N. Bluford Ave., has been in
operation since 1974. It was constructed to house three (3) firefighters, one (I ) inspector
and the Fire Chief. The station currently houses six (6) fire fighting personnel and two
(2) inspectors on a daily basis. The Department Administration consists of three (3) chief
officers and three (3) clerical personnel. The Administration personnel is housed in a
temporary trailer located next to Fire Station One, due to the lack of office space in the
facility. The Station also houses an engine, rescue, squad, disaster trailer, rescue boat,
and utility trailer for emergency responses. In addition to personnel and equipment, the
station houses the industrial washer/dryer and air compressor for Department wide use.
The current building is in need of upgrades and repairs to adequately house the current
personnel and equipment, as well as any future expansion necessary to meet growth
demands. An informal estimate of the necessary renovations received from Gee & Jensen
in 1998 was in excess of 1 million dollars. Taking this into consideration, renovation
proves not to be a cost affective alternate.
Long range plans for the City Hall campus indicate that the existing Fire Station One site
detracts from the overall traffic and parking pattems of the City Hall campus. The
construction of Fire Station One; with space to accommodate the current firefighting,
inspection and administrative staff, and provide growth for the future, in a location that
will provide the optimum response coverage, is a necessity.
Considering The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) grading schedule for fire
protection, it has been determined that the City will be better served by locating Fire
Station One south of its present location. Currently, the response area of Fire Station One
does not adequately protect the eastern State Road 50 corridor and the West Oaks Mall.
The shift, in response coverage achieved by the relocation of the Main Fire Station, in
conjunction with the response area provided by future Fire Station Two, will provide this
coverage without sacrificing other areas of the City. Providing maximum coverage is
imperative for the City to reach an ISO rating of 2, which is the goal of the Fire
Department.
The availability of properties within the desired area has been investigated over the past
year with negative results. Most locations available for development in District One that
would provide the proper coverage; have been found to be inadequate in size, or
exorbitant in price. The City has, however, identified a 2 -parcel site bordered on the
south by Columbus St., on the east by Bluford Ave., on the north by the Orlando Ave.
extension easement and the west by the abandoned railroad right-of-way that is owned by
the City. A map identifying these parcels is attached as Exhibit A.
It is contemplated, if the City Commission agreed to acquire these sites, revenue bond
proceeds received earlier this year could be utilized to extend Orlando Avenue at the
same time. This improvement would significantly improve the traffic flow in the area as
well as provide access and egress for the new Fire Station.
The City has had both of these parcels appraised. The northern parcel is 1.14 acres in size
and was appraised by the Real Estate Consortium at $40,000.00. The southern property
is 2.092 acres in size and appraised at $63,000.00. The City has made offers to both
property owners at the appraised values plus 10%. Both offers have been rejected and no
reasonable counteroffers have been received.
Recommendation
As negotiation with the property owners has failed to result in acquisitions of the desired
property, it is the recommendation of the staff that the City Commission consider
condemnation of the referenced properties. If the City Commission approves
condemnation, it is further recommended that the City Attorney be directed to prepare the
necessary resolution for condemnation for approval at the next City Commission
meeting.
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