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 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.
