This fall the City will begin a process to select a site for a new remote fire station, a priority determined by a 2021 analysis of all of its facilities and how they meet community needs. The City is hosting a Station Location Open House Oct 25, 4–8 pm at Fire Station One (7800 Golden Valley Rd) to share information on the project.
Background
A 2016 study of Golden Valley’s fire/rescue operations concluded the City needed to move from a three-station paid on-call staffing model to a two-station duty crew staffing model.
To deliver the best service and response times, the City anticipates locating a new remote station near Hwy 100. This general location, combined with the current Fire Department headquarters at Winnetka Ave and Golden Valley Rd, provides quick access to major thoroughfares.
Process
The site selection process for the new remote fire station will include opportunities for community engagement and will culminate in:
- choosing a location that has 2 to 4 acres of land
- property acquisition work
- a site plan and planning-level cost estimates
- improved accuracy of financial projections and planning for facilities
Funding
During the 2022 Legislative Session, the City requested $17 million in State funding to acquire land, complete design work, and construct a new remote fire station. Separately, the City requested State authorization of a local sales tax, followed by voter approval, to fund a new Public Safety building on the City campus and portions of a new remote Public Works facility. The State Legislature ended its 2022 session without a decision on the local sales tax or the bonding bill.
Schedule
The City will host a public open house Oct 25, 4–8 pm at Fire Station One to inform residents and obtain input. After analyzing location options using selection criteria, staff and the consultant will present one to two recommendations to the City Council in a closed session in November, then initiate discussions with impacted property owners/residents.
For updates on the project and open house watch the City website.