BEACON – As the Beacon City Council
continues to debate whether to consolidate its three firehouses into one
new one, Mayor Randy Casale has proposed lawmakers take steps to begin
the process.
A consultant has recommended that the three current facilities be consolidated
into one new building, but the council has been reluctant to do that because
of the potential cost.
Casale has now proposed to the council that it conduct repairs to the
existing firehouses to keep them functional while they explore future
options.
To start an incremental process, the mayor said the city should look into
identifying property for a new firehouse, determining the price, and if
possible, purchasing it.
Then, he recommended the city hire a consulting architect to design a
new facility and determine a construction cost.
Casale based his recommendations on a 2010 study performed by a consultant,
which suggested the city go to a paid chief, which has been done. It also
recommended selling the ladder truck and replacing it with another form
of truck – a “quint,” or combination engine and ladder
truck. One is on order.
The report also suggested moving toward one new building and retaining
the current three facilities in the meantime.
