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City Council Ponders What To Do With Fire Stations

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: February 25, 2009

ZEPHYRHILLS - No decisions were made, but new questions were raised about the city's fire stations during Monday night's city council meeting.
Council members again debated whether to do away with the downtown station on Sixth Avenue, which has been out of service for more than a year because of flood damage, and expand the station on Dairy Road, where the city's fire rescue services would be based.
City officials first discussed the fire stations in January, when the council elected to repair the downtown station for about $750,000, plus the cost for drainage improvements.

However, City Manager Steve Spina said he got "anxious" about the price tag.

"We have the money to do this, and there's never been a better time to build," Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson said Monday, adding that construction prices are dropping.

Another consideration is that housing all fire rescue services in one location could increase response times to some parts of the city.

Glen Clegg, administrative chief for Zephyrhills Fire Rescue, said two stations would "serve the city better," but stressed that firefighters will do as directed by city officials.

Spina then had an idea to modify architectural plans for the downtown station. Modifications would decrease the cost but still flood-proof the building. The council requested that Spina meet with the architect and update the cost.
Council members are expected to discuss the issue at their March 9 meeting.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613.

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