HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 07, 2013 Agenda
AGENDA
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL
January 7, 2013
After determining that a quorum is present, the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas will
10:00 a.m.
convene in a Work Session on Monday, January 7, 2013 at in the Council Work
Session Room at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney, Denton, Texas.
The City of Denton City Council will participate in a tour of Denton Fire Stations departing from
City Hall, 215 E. McKinney and proceeding to Fire Station #7, 4201 Vintage Parkway followed
by a tour of Fire Station #2, 3309 East McKinney and Fire Station #4, 2110 East Sherman Drive
and ending at Fire Station #3, 1204 McCormick Street, Denton, Texas at which the following
item will be considered:
NOTE: A Work Session is used to explore matters of interest to one or more City Council
Members or the City Manager for the purpose of giving staff direction into whether or not such
matters should be placed on a future regular or special meeting of the Council for citizen input,
City Council deliberation and formal City action. At a Work Session, the City Council generally
receives informal and preliminary reports and information from City staff, officials, members of
City committees, and the individual or organization proposing council action, if invited by City
Council or City Manager to participate in the session. Participation by individuals and members
of organizations invited to speak ceases when the Mayor announces the session is being closed to
public input. Although Work Sessions are public meetings, and citizens have a legal right to
attend, they are not public hearings, so citizens are not allowed to participate in the session
unless invited to do so by the Mayor. Any citizen may supply to the City Council, prior to the
beginning of the session, a written report regarding the citizen’s opinion on the matter being
explored. Should the Council direct the matter be placed on a regular meeting agenda, the staff
will generally prepare a final report defining the proposed action, which will be made available
to all citizens prior to the regular meeting at which citizen input is sought. The purpose of this
procedure is to allow citizens attending the regular meeting the opportunity to hear the views of
their fellow citizens without having to attend two meetings.
1. Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the 2013 Fire
Department Facilities Optimization Study.
NOTE: The City Council reserves the right to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on any item on its
Open Meeting agenda consistent with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, as amended,
including without limitation, Sections 551.071-551.086 of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
C E R T I F I C A T E
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the City Hall of the
City of Denton, Texas, on the ________day of ___________________, 2013 at ________o'clock
(a.m.) (p.m.)
____________________________________
CITY SECRETARY
NOTE: THE CITY OF DENTON COUNCIL WORK SESSION ROOM AND FIRE STATION #3 ARE
ACCESSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THE
CITY WILL PROVIDE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED IF
REQUESTED AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED MEETING. PLEASE
CALL THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE AT 349-8309 OR USE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
DEVICES FOR THE DEAF (TDD) BY CALLING 1-800-RELAY-TX SO THAT A SIGN LANGUAGE
INTERPRETER CAN BE SCHEDULED THROUGH THE CITY SECRETARY’S OFFICE.
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 7, 2013
DEPARTMENT:
Fire Department
ACM:
Jon Fortune
SUBJECT
Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the 2013 Fire
Department Facilities Optimization Study.
BACKGROUND
2013 Facilities Optimization Study
The Denton Fire/Rescue Department presents this as
a supplement to its 2011 to 2015 Strategic Plan to evaluate the location and condition of
current Denton Fire Department facilities as well as make recommendations for the
addition and placement of future facilities to better serve the citizens of Denton. The Fire
effective, and logistical infrastructure of administrative offices, fire stations, classrooms,
training structures, and storage facilities.
Through an analysis of its existing facilities locations and conditions, Staff has
determined that several projects are necessary to best optimize the services and response
of the Denton Fire/Rescue Department. Projects have been prioritized based on need and
optimization of services.
Fire Stations #2 (3309 East McKinney), #3 (1204 McCormick), and #4 (2110 East
Sherman) are substandard and need to be replaced as soon as possible. While these
stations were found to generally be in the best suitable locations, additional property is
necessary to construct modern stations similar to the state-of-the art Fire Station #7 (4201
Vintage Parkway). City Council members will be given a tour of these facilities prior to
the work session which will be held at Fire Station #3, 1204 McCormick Street and
include lunch served by the firefighters.
Long range strategic planning requires the City look closely at constructing a fire station
at the airport to improve the economic viability of this rapidly growing City resource. The
City provides an ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) apparatus which is currently
staffed by the firefighters at Fire Station #3. This planning also proposes the City look at
sites for two future fire stations in order to position them in the most effective locations
while there is still property available and at an affordable price.
The proposed Public Safety Training Facility on Vintage Parkway has taken on a different
focus than originally proposed. The Denton Fire/Rescue Department is the only
jurisdiction among its comparable cities without a dedicated or contracted fire and rescue
training facility. Staff recommends a new reduced Phase 1 to reinvigorate the 88 acres the
City originally purchased and provide a much needed training tower and drill grounds for
a growing Fire Department.
1
Fire Stations #5 (2230 West Windsor) and #6 (3232 Teasley Lane) also require some
improvements and expansion/remodeling to provide more privacy, increased storage
capabilities and parking.
The following table summarizes the recommended projects as well as
their priorities which are detailed in the 2013 Fire Department Facilities Optimization
Study and will be discussed at the scheduled work session.
RF/RDFP
ECOMMENDED IREESCUE EPARTMENT ACILITY ROJECTS
Priority Project Amount Proposed Funding When
2013 Bond Election
1 Rebuild Station #2 $4,154,465 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
2013 Bond Election
1 Rebuild Station #3 $4,154,465 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
2013 Bond Election
1 Rebuild Station #4 $4,154,465 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
Phase 1 of Fire Training Facility 2014 Bond Election November 2014
2 $3,000,000
2014 Bond Election/
2 New Airport Fire Station $6,407,000 November 2014
FAA Grants
Parking Lot at Station #5 CO Bonds/FY BudgetFY2014/2015
3 $200,000
Improvements at Stations #5 & FY2014/2015
3 $700,000 CO Bonds/FY Budget
#6
FY2014/2015
Acquire Station #8 Property CO Bonds/FY Budget
3 $500,000
FY2015/2016
4 Acquire Station #9 Property $600,000 Annual FY Budget
Fire Department staff seeks City Council direction on how to proceed with the
recommendations of 2013 Fire Department Facilities Optimization Study.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact is stated above in the table summarizing recommended facility projects.
None of these recommended projects has been funded. Note the possibility of a tax
increase of up to $1.5 cents voted by the citizens in a May 2013 bond election.
If you have any questions, please call Fire Chief Ross Chadwick.
EXHIBITS
Denton Fire/Rescue Department 2013 Facilities Optimization Study
Respectfully submitted,
Ross Chadwick
Fire Department
2
Denton Fire/Rescue Department
Facilities Optimization Study
Facilities Optimization Study
January 2013
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
CDCC:
ITY OF ENTON ITY OUNCIL
Mark Burroughs
- Mayor
Pete Kamp
, Mayor Pro Tem - At Large Place 5
Kevin Roden
- District 1
Dalton Gregory
- District 2
Jim Engelbrecht
- District 3
Chris Watts
- District 4
James King
- At Large Place 6
CM:
ITY ANAGEMENT
George Campbell
- City Manager
Jon Fortune
- Assistant City Manager
DF/RDPT:
ENTON IREESCUE EPARTMENT ROJECT EAM
Ross Chadwick
- Fire Chief
Kenneth Hedges
- Deputy Fire Chief/Emergency Services Division
Laura Behrens
- Fire Administrative Manager/Administrative Services Section
Chuck Goodman
- Battalion Chief/Information Services Section
Brad Lahart
, Battalion Chief/EMS Section/Project Manager Fire Station #7
CPC:
ITY ROJECT ONTRIBUTORS
Bryan Langley
Assistant City Manager
Frank Payne
City Engineer
Brian Lockley
Director of Planning and Development
Quentin Hix
, Director of Aviation
Ron Menguita
- Planning and Development Planning Supervisor
Paul Williamson
, Real Estate & Capital Manager
January 2013 Page 2
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
TC
TC
ABLE OF ONTENTS
ABLE OF ONTENTS
Executive Summary 4
Purpose of Study 5
Scope of Study 6
Overview of the Denton Fire/Rescue Department 6
2011-2015 Denton Fire/Rescue Department Strategic Plan 7
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Workloads 12
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities
Fire Station #1 17
Fire Station #2 18
Fire Station #3 20
Fire Station #4 22
Fire Station #5 24
Fire Station #6 26
Fire Station #7 28
Airport Fire Station 29
Fire Station #8 30
Fire Station #9 31
32
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Training Facility 33
Funding Recommendations 38
Statistical Response Analysis/Maps 41
January 2013 Page 3
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
ESS:
XECUTIVE UMMARY OF TUDY
Through an analysis of its existing facilities locations and conditions, Staff has determined that
several projects are necessary to best optimize the services and response of the Denton
Fire/Rescue Department. Projects have been prioritized based on need.
Fire Stations #2, #3, and #4 are substandard and need to be replaced as soon as possible. While
these stations were found to generally be in the best suitable locations, additional property is
necessary to construct modern stations similar to the state of the art Fire Station #7.
Long range strategic planning requires the City look closely at constructing a new fire station at
the airport to improve the economic viability of this rapidly growing City resource. The City
provides an ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) apparatus which is currently staffed by
the firefighters at Fire Station #3. This planning also proposes the City look at sites for two
future fire stations in order to position them in the most effective locations while there is still
property available and at an affordable price.
The proposed Public Safety Training Facility on Vintage Parkway has taken on a different focus
than originally proposed. The Denton Fire/Rescue Department is the only jurisdiction among its
comparable cities without a dedicated training facility. A new reduced Phase 1 is recommended
to reinvigorate the 88 acres the City originally purchased and provide a much needed training
tower and drill grounds for its growing Fire Department.
Fire Stations #5 and #6 also require some improvements to provide more privacy, increased
physical fitness capabilities and parking.
Exhibit 1 summarizes the recommended projects as well as their priorities which will be detailed
in this study.
RF/RDFP
ECOMMENDED IREESCUE EPARTMENT ACILITY ROJECTS
Priority Project Amount Proposed Funding When
2013 Bond Election
1 $4,154,465
Rebuild Station #2 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
2013 Bond Election
1 $4,154,465
Rebuild Station #3 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
2013 Bond Election
1 $4,154,465
Rebuild Station #4 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
2 $3,000,000
Phase 1 of Fire Training Facility 2014 Bond Election November 2014
2014 Bond Election/
2 New Airport Fire Station $6,407,000 November 2014
FAA Grants
3 Parking Lot at Station #5 $200,000 CO Bonds/FY BudgetFY2014/2015
3 Improvements at Stations #5 & #6 $700,000 CO Bonds/FY Budget FY2014/2015
3 $500,000
Acquire Station #8 Property CO Bonds/FY Budget FY2014/2015
4 $600,000
Acquire Station #9 Property Annual FY BudgetFY2015/2016
Exhibit 1. Summary of Recommended Denton Fire/Rescue Facility Projects
January 2013 Page 4
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
PS:
URPOSE OF TUDY
2013 Facilities Optimization Study
The Denton Fire/Rescue Department offers this as a
supplement to its 2011 to 2015 Strategic Plan to evaluate the location and condition of current
Denton Fire Department facilities as well as make recommendations for the addition and
placement of future facilities to better serve the citizens of Denton.
emergency response deployment strategy is only as good as its efficient, effective, and logistical
infrastructure of administrative offices, fire stations, classrooms, training structures, and storage
facilities.
As the City has grown, development patterns have not always coincided with the location
of existing facilities. Also, older facilities have become limited in terms of their size and ability
to house modern fire apparatus, which have grown larger over the years. As a result of these and
other circumstances, adjustment of the location of existing resources could result in improved
service. The recommendations of this study will address the needs of replacing/relocating any
existing inadequate facilities and for maintaining acceptable response times as the
expands with annexations and new developments at its periphery.
For the past several annual budget submittals, the Fire Department has requested that fire
stations #2, #3 and #4 be remodeled, rebuilt or relocated due to their substandard conditions.
This study reviews the critical need to replace these older, outdated and antiquated fire stations.
Due to size, location, construction features, multiple emergency response units running out of
restricted apparatus bays, and lack of men/women separate facilities, fire stations #2, #3, and #4
are our primary concerns for any new funding. The City Manager has requested this study in
order to fully evaluate these needs and propose potential funding sources and options.
The review of station locations includes not only a review of the current distribution and
location of resources, but also a forecast of future demands for service and population trends, and
recommended expansions to the current system requiring new fire stations. Therefore, the
Departmen looked at workload, response times, call volume, and types of
incidents to determine the distribution and deployment of fire protection personnel and the
proper types of equipment or apparatus to be used. During the research phase of this project, the
study team undertook a series of in-depth reviews of the various functions, concentrating on
station locations, station conditions and staffing issues.
Using GIS software, the Fire Department used computer-
street network to conduct the fire station optimization study using actual historical data. The
computer model was calibrated to reflect the actual travel times of fire apparatus on the streets.
Staff used the computer program and model to analyze service areas and fire station response
scenarios to show the area that can be covered for a specific travel time. Travel time is the time
from wheel start to wheel stop and should not be confused with total response time. Based upon
these computer models, review of historical data, current conditions and projections for the
future, the relocation of three fire stations was considered prior to recommending the rebuilding
January 2013 Page 5
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
of the stations at their current locations or adding any new fire stations which may be needed in
the near future to maintain current service levels.
SS:
COPE OF TUDY
1.
Plans.
2. Research, review and evaluate future population and development patterns, development
plans, and existing calls for service to identify potential areas where existing stations
could be moved or new stations added to achieve better coverage, especially first-due
response times. Are current stations in the best overall location to meet current and future
service requirements or are new fire stations required?
3. Conduct a study of the current fire station conditions, primarily fire stations #2, #3 and
#4.
4. Identify existing and potential fire station locations inside the boundaries of the City of
Denton.
5. Consider any other critical facility needs of the Denton Fire Department such as training
structures, classrooms, and storage.
6. Develop funding options to accomplish the recommendations of this study.
ODF/RD:
VERVIEW OF THE ENTON IREESCUE EPARTMENT
The Denton Fire/Rescue Department serves a city that has witnessed steady growth over the past
10 years in size as well as economic development with over 120,000 residents covering
approximately 95 square miles. It provides the city with fire suppression, wildland firefighting,
hazardous materials mitigation, emergency medical service (EMS), technical and heavy rescue,
fire prevention, fire investigation and public education.
The Denton Fire/Rescue Department, along with those in many other cities, has been
evolving from its original purpose of fighting fires to its current much wider mission of
providing a range of sophisticated fire and public safety services. The largest category of fire
department activity today is for emergency medical responses. While the services provided by
the Denton Fire Department have been adequate throughout most of the city, there are coverage
challenges along the periphery of the city. These challenges are likely to increase without some
reassignment and addition of some resources.
The following table illustrates the emergency responses in the past five years.
January 2013 Page 6
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Five-Year History of Emergency Incidents
Denton Fire/Rescue
2007 to 2011
Type of
5-Yr
2011
Emergency
2007 2008 2009 2010
Average
Response
131
Structure Fires
118
119 114 110 116
53
Building Fires
56
54 65 54 53
66
Vehicle Fires
61
66 51 67 53
133
Vegetation Fires
41 95 67 73 82
Refuse/Rubbish
77
53 67 63 65 65
Fires
43
Other Fires
50
63 85 23 36
TOTAL FIRES 450
342 412 330 343 375
% of Fires 3.3% 3.8% 3.2% 3.3% 4.0%
3.6%
Hazardous
259
265 310 271 255 272
Conditions
920
Service Calls
686 728 673 803 762
1,161
Good Intent Calls
914
753 780 908 966
Malicious False
31
43
52 41 45 46
Alarms
Other False
692
719 660 728 734 707
Alarms
TOTAL OTHER
3,063
3,322 3,348 2,625 3,092 3,050
CALLS
% of Other
27.4%
32.1% 31.4% 25.7% 29.4% 29.2%
Calls
TOTAL EMS
6,694 6,897 7,014 7,082 7,343
7,006
CALLS
% of EMS Calls 64.6% 64.7% 68.7% 67.3% 66.5%
66.2%
Mutual Aid
24
7 26 19 30 21
Received
69
Mutual Aid Given
60
51 63 49 66
Fire $$ Loss
$1,611,850
$1,410,950
$1,300,926 $1,991,582 $1,248,289 $902,101
Property
Fire $$ Loss
$608,275
$159,250 $855,075 $776,053 $145,001 $508,731
Contents
Non-Fire Loss
$1,137,600
$300,286
$1,600 $53,500 $306,500 $2,230
Property
Non-Fire Loss
$51,100
$0 $20,150 $200,100 $200 $54,310
Contents
TOTAL CALLS 11,199
10,358 10,657 10,210 10,517 10,588
Exhibit 2. Summary of Emergency Incidents by the Denton Fire/Rescue Department - 2007 to 2011
January 2013 Page 7
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Due to annexations and ongoing contracts with Denton County, the Fire Department
protects an even larger land area and a stable population. This poses the challenge of maintaining
service levels in the face of increased demand over a larger area. Paramount to our current efforts
as well as future fire station location planning is to view the total response jurisdiction. This
means looking at the whole city with the understanding that every station must be viewed in its
relationship to all adjacent stations and how these relationships equate to total city coverage.
There is no single optimum positioning plan for fire stations, because of the uncertainties
in demand and the complexity of the overall response network. Therefore, we must analyze
locations all together because relocating some stations may create other holes in coverage and
adding can create overlaps in coverage. The intent of redeploying resources is to maximize the
use of units to get the best first-due response times, and also to provide robust second and third
unit response for major emergencies.
2011-2015DFDSP
ENTON IRE EPARTMENT TRATEGIC LAN
The Denton Fire Department has developed ten (10) strategic initiatives as part of its five-year
doing
everything possible to make sure our facilities, equipment, apparatus, and vehicles help achieve
our mission and vision. Therefore, this Facilities Optimization Study specifically interfaces at
Strategic Initiative #5 which makes every attempt to correspond with the City
Strategic Plan interfacing with the Strategic Initiative #5.:
DF/RSI#5
ENTON IREESCUE TRATEGIC NITIATIVE
Ensure capital assets (facilities, apparatus, vehicles, and equipment) fulfill the needs of
nel and the customers served.
CDSPIWSI#5:
ITY OF ENTON TRATEGIC LAN NTERFACE ITH TRATEGIC NITIATIVE
Key Focus Area 1. Organizational Excellence
1.1 Manage financial resources in a responsible manner.
1.1.2 Develop and implement long-range strategic plans.
Key Focus Area 2. Public Infrastructure
2.5 Develop Capital Improvement Program based on community needs.
2.5.1 Manage existing infrastructure needs to meet projected growth trends.
2.5.2 Develop and implement financing plans for identified infrastructure needs.
Key Focus Area 4. Safe, Livable, & Family Friendly Community
4.2 Enhance public safety in the community.
4.2.3 Evaluate existing and future public safety facility needs in order to provide the most
effective delivery of emergency response services.
January 2013 Page 8
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Why is Strategic Initiative #5 so important?
This strategic initiative strives to ensure ongoing funding and acquisition of capital assets
(facilities, apparatus, vehicles,
and the customers they serve.This Facilities Optimization Study originated from Strategic Plan
Goal 5.1.
DFD GOAL 5.1.Develop a Master Plan for Denton Fire/Rescue Facilities as a future
planning tool and a Fire Station Location Study.
5.1.1 Identify existing and future needs to remodel, rebuild, add, and relocate fire facilities as
needed to provide a livable environment and the effective delivery of emergency response
service. Ensure strategic placement of fire houses consistent with the following issues:
response times; traffic issues; and plans for future development in the City of Denton.
Construct and maintain fire facilities in a cost effective manner with maximum
consideration for service delivery, energy conservation, and the health, safety and
comfort of our members.
###
Phase in the remodel/reconstruction or relocation of stations 2, 3 and 4 in the 5-year
financial CIP plan.
One of the most critical capital issues and strategic planning efforts isproviding the most
effective and efficient number of fire stations necessary to provide acceptable services to the
community. Fire station locations directly impact the ability of the Denton Fire/Rescue
Department to accomplish its strategic objectives of travel time to emergencies. Not only that,
but the age and condition of existing fire stations must be monitored and addressed. They must
provide a livable environment with adequate accommodations for all genders.
Fire Station Locations:
There are three (3) nationally recognized models for establishing where and how far apart fire
stations should be. Response times as recommended by Strategic Initiative #2 must also be taken
into consideration.
1. Insurance Service Office (ISO) Model:
The criterion recommended by ISO is that a fire station must be located within a mile and a half
distance from the built-upon areas of a community. This provides for a maximum of 1 minute for
notification and 3.2 minutes for travel.
2. International City/County Management Association (I.C.M.A.) Model:
This second model recommends that the location of a fire station be within 1 mile of industrial
and commercial property, 2 miles of a medium density residential unit (6 to 8 units per acre), and
3 miles of low density residential units (where homes are separated by more than 100 feet).
January 2013 Page 9
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
3. Public Technology Model:
The third model is based on computer travel time formulas to determine future fire stations based
upon a maximum travel time of 5 minutes, which could equate to 2.5 miles distance. Exhibit 3
shows a commonly used model to determine travel times and distances. The criteria for the basis
of these models revolve around fire department response specifically to fires.
FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL TIME FORMULA
Travel Time = 0.65 + 1.7 Distance
Distance = Travel Time - 0.65
1.7
Travel Time
= Minutes to the nearest 1/10
0.65 = A constant to represent apparatus acceleration over the first 0.38 mile
1.7 = a constant representing an average speed of 35 MPH over 0.38 travel miles
Distance
= Miles to the nearest 1/10
Using the formulas above, the following can be determined:
Response Distance From Station Travel Time To Emergency
1 mile 2.35 minutes
1.5 mile 3.2 minutes
2 mile 4.05 minutes
2.5 mile 4.9 minutes
3 mile 5.75 minutes
Exhibit 3. Emergency Fire Department Travel Time Formula
1
Fire Station Scanning Matrix:
A key process of focusing on the future is to develop strategies that mitigate the impact of
response times that do not fit into the recommended response times. A simple scanning formula
exists to determine when and where mitigation is necessary to stay within recommended
response times.
High
Might Consider a Definitely
Consider a New
New Fire station
Fire Station
Emergency
No Need to Might Consider a
Occurrence
Consider a New
Likelihood New Fire station
Fire station
Low High
Emergency Travel Time
Exhibit 4. Fire Station Scanning Matrix
1
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has adopted this Rand-developed formula for determining response times of
engine and ladder companies from their fire station locations to a named fire site.
January 2013 Page 10
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
As illustrated in Exhibit 4, this model considers two factors. The first is the likelihood
that an emergency is going to occur, which ranges from low to high. The second factor is the
expected travel time from existing fire stations, ranging from low to high, if fire department
emergencies should occur. The model provides four potential sets of circumstances. In the first,
if an emergency is likely to occur and the travel time is within the recommended response time,
we may want to consider it and monitor it, but not get too concerned. In the second circumstance,
if an emergency is unlikely to occur and the travel time is within recommended response time,
we would most like not consider a new fire station. The far right bottom box holds a set of
circumstances in which an emergency is not likely to occur, but if it does, it would be more than
the recommended response time. The Fire Department better be monitoring that event, for when
it occurs, the consequences may be severe. That leaves us with the last box of circumstances, in
which an emergency is highly likely and response will take longer than the recommended
response time. This is the box where fires may expand beyond the room of origin and out of
control for a long period of time and where people with severe medical emergencies may die.
Service areas in that box need a strategy to mitigate the long response times, most often with a
new fire station in that service area.
with a critical impact on
Strategic Initiative #2
Fire Department facilities (especially fire stations) is and its interface
with the City of Denton Strategic Plan as follows:
DF/RSI#2
ENTON IREESCUE TRATEGIC NITIATIVE
Provide effective and efficient emergency response operations and deployment.
CDSP
ITY OF ENTON TRATEGIC LAN
Key Focus Area 4. Safe, Livable, & Family Friendly Community
4.2 Enhance public safety in the community.
4.2.2 Secure and deploy public safety resources in the most effective and efficient manner
.
possible
Why is Strategic Initiative #2 important?
Delivering emergency services to a diverse and growing community has become a challenge we
must actively address. The growing boundaries of the city, in-fill development and population
density present a new set of challenges for providing adequate emergency response staffing.
Strategic Goal #2 addresses the need to provide and adequately maintain appropriate emergency
response and deployment capabilities.
What is the appropriate balance of service level and cost? The fire/emergency medical
incident develops as a continuum from initiation to conclusion. Emergency services should be
provided as early on the continuum as possible, considering that appropriate "balance." The
emergency event begins at the point when factors occur that ultimately result in a situation
necessitating a Fire Department emergency response. Precipitating factors can occur seconds,
January 2013 Page 11
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
hours, or even days before a point of awareness is reached. A fire may smolder for a long period
of time until it breaks out into a fire that is detected and reported. A patient who ignores chest
discomfort for days until it reaches a critical point, at which the patient makes a decision to seek
assistance. When the emergency event occurs, a cascade of events must happen to initiate a Fire
Department response.
A delay in the application of fire suppression agents significantly increases both the
amount of water and time required to control a fire, depending on fuel type and prevailing
conditions. Response time is also critical for provision of emergency medical services. Common
sense, as well as numerous studies have substantiated the requirements for rapid initiation of
basic life support services (airway maintenance, bleeding control, CPR and shock prevention and
control). There is no question that it is important to minimize fire and emergency medical
response times, but to what levels and at what cost? Unit travel times could be significantly
reduced by building a fire station on each corner; however, our community could not afford to
pay for such a level of service.
DF/RDW
ENTON IREESCUE EPARTMENT ORKLOADS
When considering future workloads, it is important to look at each station's and individual unit's
workload as well as the system as a whole. Keep in mind that the total number of emergency
incidents is always less than the total number of responses by fire stations or units. This is due to
the fact that most incidents require more than one fire station district or fire unit which makes
responses higher than total emergency incidents. For example the minimum number of units to
an EMS incident is two and the first alarm by fire units to a structure fire is three engines, one
medic ambulance, one battalion chief and one truck company. So even though there is only one
emergency incident (the EMS call or the fire), several units will respond. Therefore, in 2011 the
total number of emergency incidents were 11,199 (see Exhibit 1 on page 7) but the total number
of emergency responses was 24,010.
The activity level of the units in a station indicate whether additional units or fire stations
are needed there or nearby. Workload analysis also must consider the other duties assigned to
each station such as training, equipment and facility maintenance and other special assignments.
As the emergency response component of the overall unit workload increases, the ability of that
unit and personnel assigned to that unit to perform its other assigned duties is compromised.
Fire Station and Individual Unit Workloads:
Workloads are normally stated in the total number of responses rather than the total number of
emergency incidents. The crucial thing to consider is the degradation of response time, not just
the number of incidents. Additionally, the distribution of calls across the day is another
significant factor. The more grouped the calls are, the more likely a backup unit is needed.
January 2013 Page 12
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Stations/units can be spaced
Low Workload (less than 1,000 responses per year):
relatively far apart. Few calls will overlap and unit availability usually is assured.
Stations/units should be located
Moderate Workload (1,000 to 2,000 responses per year):
with some overlap to achieve travel time goals, but some overlapping calls will most likely
occur. Stations/units are usually still available.
The increase in responses requires
High Workload (2,000 to 3,000 responses per year):
stations/units must be located with considerable overlap to achieve travel time goals.
However, stations/units will in all probability be available for emergency response.
The fire service considers
Very High Workload (more than 3,000 responses per year):
more than 3,000 annual responses to be the critical point of decision making. Do we need
more units responding from that station or do we need more stations with new service areas
to reduce the number of calls per service area?The City did that in FY2012/2013 by adding a
new medic unit at Station #1 which significantly reduced the number of calls of the other
four front-line ambulances. The statistics for 2012 workloads will certainly reflect a
reduction in the number of responses for the other ambulances.Stations/units must be located
with significant overlap to achieve travel time goals or more units must be added to the
stations. Overlapping calls occur often, usually during peak demand period, and working
incidents are frequent. The closest station/unit may not be available, thus requiring the
response of adjacent stations/units.
DFD GOAL 2.11. Monitor workloads of fire stations and individual units for maximum
effectiveness and efficiency.
2.11.1 When annual workloads of an engine or medic unit exceed 3,000 calls per unit, consider
one or more of the following:
The addition of a second unit in that station.
Placement of a second unit in a nearby station.
Subdivision of the response area and the addition of a new fire station and unit.
January 2013 Page 13
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
FSERW2011
IRE TATION MERGENCY ESPONSE ORKLOADS IN
TNER
OTAL UMBER OF MERGENCY ESPONSES
FS %T
IRE TATION OF OTAL
PFS2011
ER IRE TATION
Fire Station #1 3,175 15.1%
(increase of 14.2% from 2010)
Fire Station #2 4,825 20.1%
(increase of 16.0% from 2010)
Fire Station #3 5,063 21.1%
(increase of 13.9% from 2010)
Fire Station #4 1,526 6.4%
(increase of 14.3% from 2010)
Fire Station #5 3,472 14.5%
(increase of 4.5% from 2010)
Fire Station #6 4,960 20.7%
(increase of 17.3% from 2010)
Fire Station #7 535 2.2%
(increase of 27.1% from 2010)
Total
24,010 100%
(increase of 13.9% from 2010)
Responses
Average 3,430 (increase of 13.9% from 2010) 14.2%
Exhibit 5. Fire Station Workloads in 2011
FDTERW2011
IRE ISTRICT OTAL MERGENCY ESPONSE ORKLOADS IN
TNE
OTAL UMBER OF MERGENCY
FSD RPFD%T
IRE TATION ISTRICTESPONSES ER IRE ISTRICT OF OTAL
2011
Fire Station District #1 3,775 16.8%
Fire Station District #2 3,697 16.5%
Fire Station District #3 3,967 17.7%
Fire Station District #4 2,211 9.9%
Fire Station District #5 2,875 12.8%
Fire Station District #6 4,696 21.0%
Fire Station District #7 612 2.7%
2.3%
Denton County 519
0.3%
Mutual Aid 62
Total Responses 22,414 100%
Average/District 3,202 14.3%
Exhibit 6. Fire District Response Workloads in 2011
January 2013 Page 14
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
FDERWD2011
IRE ISTRICT MERGENCY ESPONSE ORKLOAD ISTRIBUTION IN
FD F BF EMS
IRE ISTRICTIRESUILDING IRES
Fire District #1 208 5.5% 54 1.4% 2,749 72.8%
Fire District #2 270 1.5% 61 1.5% 2,733 73.9%
Fire District #3 215 5.4% 64 1.6% 2,813 70.9%
Fire District #4 262 11.8% 57 2.6% 1,478 66.8%
Fire District #5 181 6.2% 29 10.1% 2,011 69.9%
Fire District #6 263 5.6% 89 1.9% 3,255 69.3%
Fire District #7 27 4.4% 2 0.3% 390 63.7%
Total District
1,426 4.5% 356 1.6% 15,429 68.8%
Responses
Average 204 9.3% 51 2.3% 2,204 68.8%
Exhibit 7. Fire District Call Distribution by Number and % of Total Distresponses in 2011
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Emergency Response Workloads by Unit in 2011
Total
Building
Emergency
Unit Haz Mat Total Fires EMS Other Calls Workload
Fires
Responses
Rating
Engine 1 2,579 High
88 185 46 1,561 699
3.4% 3.4%1.9% 60.5%27.1%
Truck 1 593 Low
42 136 52 237 126
7.1%22.9%8.8%40.0%21.2%
13.1
Low
Battalion 1 457
45 160 60 53 139
9.8%35.0%11.6%30.4%
%
Engine 2 2,178 High
46 142 22 1,344 624
2.1%6.5%1.0%61.7%28.7%
High
Medic 2 2,647
16 49 18 2,151 414
0.6%1.9%0.7%81.3%15.6%
High
Engine 3 2,493
71 149 36 1,474 763
2.8%6.0%1.4%59.1%30.6%
High
Medic 3 2,570
16 43 18 1,958 535
0.6%1.7%0.7%76.2%20.8%
Engine 4 1,526 Moderate
56 143 20 865 442
3.6%9.4%1.3%56.7%29.0%
Quint 5 1,604 Moderate
48 112 22 1,016 406
3.0%7.0%1.4%63.3%25.3%
High
Medic 5 2,096
16 39 14 1,591 436
0.7%1.9%0.7%75.9%20.8%
High
Engine 6 2,572
45 114 33 1,498 882
1.7%4.4%1.3%58.2%34.3%
High
Medic 6 2,388
10 44 17 1,837 480
0.4%1.8%0.7%76.9%20.1%
Low
Engine 7 535
14 51 12 238 220
2.6%9.5%0.5%44.5%41.1%
Totals 503 1,367 403 15,823 6,166 24,238
2.1%5.6%1.7%65.3%25.4%
Average/
39 105 31 1,217 474 1,866 Moderate
2.1%5.6%1.7%65.3%25.4%
Unit
Exhibit 8. Unit Workloads in 2011
January 2013 Page 15
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Denton Fire/Rescue Department
Denton Fire/Rescue Department
Fire Stations
Fire Stations
January 2013 Page 16
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #1
Fire Station #1
332 East Hickory
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
Living 9 Excellent Yes Yes 10
1. Maintaining historical nature of
18,941
years (2 Medic)
building.
Apparatus (3 Engine)
2. Limited parking.
(4 Truck)
7,427
3. Limited storage capabilities.
(1 BC)
Total Sq. Ft:
26,368
Fire Station #1 Recommendations:
1. Monitor parking situation.
January 2013 Page 17
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #2
Fire Station #2
3309 East McKinney
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
Living 34 Poor No No 5 1. Station is very old and deteriorating
2,490
years (2 Medic) with high maintenance costs.
Apparatus (3 Engine)
2. One open-style sleeping dorm. No
1,858
privacy.
Total Sq. Ft:
3. 1 and ½ bath shared by at least five
4,345
FFs.
4.
5. Inadequate space for apparatus and
reserves.
6. Limited storage capability.
7. No ventilation of apparatus floor.
Fire Station #2 Recommendations:
1. Based on response time analysis, keep current station location and general area and expand station
site to adjacent property
2. Purchase available adjacent property off Mockingbird.
3. Design and begin to build new station in FY2013/2014 at current site with entry onto Mockingbird
which allows current station to be used during construction. Open in FY2014/15.
January 2013 Page 18
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #2 Estimated Project Costs
FY2013/2014 FY2014/2015
Purchase adjacent property $300,000
Architectural & Engineering $450,000
Construction $3,000,000
Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment $55,000
Project Management $38,050
Financial Administration $11,415
Contingency $300,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $4,154,465
Funding Shortfall $4,154,465
This is a Priority 1 Project.
January 2013 Page 19
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #3
Fire Station #3
1204 McCormick
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
Living 42 Poor No No 5 1. Station is very old and deteriorating
2,650
years (2 Medic) with high maintenance costs.
Apparatus (3 Engine)
2. Foundation issues.
2,850
3. Sewer line broken under apparatus
Total Sq. Ft:
floor.
5,500
4. One open-style sleeping dorm for 3.
Limited privacy.
5. 2 and ½ bath shared by a minimum
of five FFs.
6.
7. Inadequate space for apparatus and
reserves.
8. Limited storage capabilities.
9. No ventilation of apparatus floor.
10. Current site not large enough to
accommodate a new single story fire
station.
11. Impact of 35E expansion.
Fire Station #3 Recommendations:
1. Based on response time analysis, keep current station location and general area and expand station
site to adjacent properties. Response time analysis indicates that current station location is generally
good to maintain acceptable emergency responses and overlap with other stations.
2. Purchase property on Underwood Street to expand building design capabilities.
3. Close McCormick Street from Avenue A to Underwood and close Underwood Street from McCormick
to driveway of complex at Avenue A and Underwood to gain more space for design.
4. Design and begin to build new station in FY2013/2014 at current site. Open in FY2014/15.
January 2013 Page 20
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #3 Estimated Project Costs
FY2013/2014 FY2014/2015
$300,000
Purchase available property
Architectural & Engineering $450,000
Construction $3,000,000
Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment $55,000
Project Management $38,050
Financial Administration $11,415
Contingency $300,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $4,154,465
Funding Shortfall $4,154,465
This is a Priority 1 Project.
January 2013 Page 21
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #4
Fire Station #4
2110 East Sherman Drive
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
1. Station is very old and deteriorating
Living 46 Poor No No 3
2,914
years (3 Engine)with high maintenance costs.
Apparatus
2. One open-style sleeping dorm. No
1,586
privacy.
Total Sq. Ft:
3. 2 baths shared by a minimum of
4,500
three FFs.
4. Living area inadequate for 3
5. Inadequate space for apparatus and
reserves. Bay currently being modified
to accommodate a new fire engine.
6. Limited storage capability.
7. No ventilation of apparatus floor.
8. Current station site too small to
construct a new single story fire station.
Fire Station #4 Recommendations:
1. Response time analysis indicates that current station location is generally good to maintain acceptable
emergency responses and overlap with other stations.
2. Purchase available property north of current location on Sherman Drive to attain more property to
build a new fire station or look at opportunities to expand current site.
3. Design and begin to build new station in FY2013/2014 at an expanded site in same general vicinity as
current station. Open in FY2014/15.
January 2013 Page 22
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #4 Estimated Project Costs
FY2013/2014 FY2014/2015
Purchase property in FY2013/2014 $300,000
Architectural & Engineering $450,000
Construction $3,000,000
Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment $55,000
Project Management $38,050
Financial Administration $11,415
Contingency $300,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $4,154,465
Funding Shortfall $4,154,465
This is a Priority 1 Project.
January 2013 Page 23
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #5
Fire Station #5
2230 West Windsor
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
Living 20 Good No No 6 1. Station condition is adequate but
3,000
years (2 Medic) needs to be updated as necessary.
Apparatus (4 Quint)
2. Open-style sleeping dorm. Limited
4,500
privacy. Needs more space and
Total Sq. Ft:
additional locker and shower and
7,500
bathroom.
3. Inadequate space for apparatus and
reserves.
4. Limited parking capability.
Fire Station #5 Recommendations:
1. Response analysis indicates that current station location and general response area is adequate.
2. Increase parking lot.
3. Expand/remodel station to increase privacy in dorm area and bathroom/shower facilities.
January 2013 Page 24
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #5 Estimated Project Costs
FY2013/2014
Construct new parking lot $200,000
Remodel/Expansion $300,000
Contingency $50,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $550,000
This is a Priority 3 Project.
January 2013 Page 25
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #6
Fire Station #6
3232 Teasley Lane
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
1. Station condition is adequate but
Living 19 Good No No 5
2,368
years (2 Medic) needs to be updated as necessary.
Apparatus (3 Engine)
2. Open-style sleeping dorm. Limited
3,445
privacy. Needs more space and
Total Sq. Ft:
additional locker and shower and
5,845
bathroom.
3. Inadequate space for apparatus and
reserves. Station was not constructed
according to original plan due to budget
cuts.
4. Limited visibility of emergency units
coming out of station onto Teasley.
5. Fitness room needs additional
space.
Fire Station #6 Recommendations:
1. Response analysis indicates that current station location and general response area is adequate.
2. Increase safety of response onto Teasley.
3. Expand/remodel station to increase privacy in dorm area and bathroom/shower facilities.
January 2013 Page 26
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #6 Estimated Project Costs
FY2014/2015
Remodel/Expansion $300,000
Contingency $50,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $350,000
This is a Priority 3 Project.
January 2013 Page 27
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Fire Station #7
Fire Station #7
4201 Vintage Parkway
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
Living 5 Excellent Yes Yes 3
1. Station is in excellent and a state of
7,492
years (3 Engine)
Apparatus the art modern facility.
8,083
2. Review LEED and green
Total Sq. Ft:
requirements.
15,575
Fire Station #7 Recommendations:
1. Response analysis indicates that current station location and general response area is adequate.
2. Review the effectiveness and efficiency of green building (LEED) requirements and determine if
future stations should also be some level of LEED certified.
January 2013 Page 28
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Airport Fire Station
Airport Fire Station
Denton Municipal Airport
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
NA NA NA NA NA NA 1. The airport requires a dedicated
ARFF unit to be stationed at the airport.
The City has purchased a dedicated
ARFF unit which is currently stored in a
hanger at the Airport. Station #3
currently responds to staff the ARFF
unit when necessary which takes the
Station #3 crew out of service.
2. As airport continues to expand a
dedicated and staffed fire station must
be considered which requires an
adequate site at the Airport.
Airport Fire Station Recommendations:
1. Design and build a dedicated and staffed Airport Fire Station as the needs and requirements of the
airport dictate. Actively pursue grants in partnership with Airport management and FAA in accordance
with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 139.
2. Pursue a dedicated site for a structural and ARFF fire station in the immediate future. Replace aging
ARFF unit with new apparatus.
Airport Fire Station Estimated Project Costs
FY2015/2016
Acquire adequate property $500,000
Architectural & Engineering $450,000
Construction $3,500,000
Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment $55,000
Project Management $40,000
Financial Administration $12,000
Contingency $350,000
New ARFF Unit and Equipment $800,000
Engine and Equipment $700,000
Grants $ Unknown
Total Estimated Project Cost $6,407,000
Funding Shortfall $6,407,000
This is a Priority 2 Project.
January 2013 Page 29
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
New Fire Station #8
New Fire Station #8
Southeast
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
NA NA NA NA NA NA 1. The service area in the Southeast of
the current city limits has longer Fire
Department response times than most
of the City.
2. Automatic aid agreement with Lake
Cities helps in covering those holes in
our response; however, the auto aid
agreement is not consistent with a much
smaller department and takes a long
amount of time to dispatch through the
County.
Fire Station #8 Recommendations:
1. Response analysis indicates that the general response area in the southeast City limits is outside the
desired response time criteria.
2. Immediately (FY2013/2014) pursue a dedicated site (3 to 5 acres) for a fire station in the southeast
portion of the City off Edwards Road and Mayhill.
3. Design and build a dedicated and staffed Fire Station in the southeast as the needs and requirements
of the service area dictate.
New Fire Station #8 Estimated Project Costs
FY2013/2014
Purchase property $500,000
FY20__/____
Architectural & Engineering To be determined
Construction To be determined
Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment To be determined
Project Management To be determined
Financial Administration To be determined
Contingency To be determined
Total Estimated Project Cost To be determined
Engine and Equipment To be determined
5-Year Funding Commitment To be determined
Funding Shortfall To be determined
Property Acquisition is a Priority 3 Project.
January 2013 Page 30
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
New Fire Station #9
New Fire Station #9
Northwest
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
1. The service area in the Northwest of
NA NA NA NA NA NA
the current city limits has longer Fire
Department response times than most of
the City. Even with expanded areas
caused by annexations, population and
calls for service are still very low. As the
population and calls for service increase,
consideration of a fire station will be
necessary.
2. No property has been identified as a
fire station site in the northwest portion
of the City.
Fire Station #9 Recommendations:
1. Response analysis indicates that the general response area in the southeast City limits is outside the
desired response time criteria; however, the number of calls for service is very low.
2. Pursue a dedicated site (3 to 5 acres) for a fire station in the northwest portion of the City as
development starts to expand.
3. Design and build a dedicated and staffed Fire Station in the northwest as the needs and requirements
of the service area dictate.
New Fire Station #9 Estimated Project Costs
FY20__/____
Purchase property $600,000
Architectural & Engineering To be determined
Construction To be determined
Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment To be determined
Project Management To be determined
Financial Administration To be determined
Contingency To be determined
Total Estimated Project Cost
To be determined
Engine and Equipment To be determined
5-Year Funding Commitment To be determined
Funding Shortfall To be determined
Property Acquisition is a Priority 4 Project.
January 2013 Page 31
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
NA NA NA NA NA NA 1. The old fire station in the downtown
is deteriorating and in need of repair,
especially the roof since it leaks.
2. The building is now used as a storage
facility for the Fire Department and
Police Department. It is not totally
secure.
Recommendations:
1. Determine if the building should be demolished or remodeled as a dedicated and secure storage
facility for the Fire Department.
January 2013 Page 32
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Denton Fire/Rescue Department
Denton Fire/Rescue Department
Training Facility
Training Facility
January 2013 Page 33
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
PSTC:
UBLIC AFETY RAINING ENTER
DFD GOAL 5.2. Provide a proper training facility so we can improve and maintain our high
level of proficiency in fire, rescue, hazardous materials, EOD and EMS. Finalize planning for
the Public Safety Training Center and begin construction of Phase 1.
5.2.1 Conduct a bid process and hire contractor to construct Phase 1 of the Training Center as
identified by the architect.
5.2.2 Develop partnerships so all principle decision-makers share the same vision for
Department facilities including our education partners, North Central Texas college and
University of North Texas.
5.2.3 Update the needs assessment including: compliance with NFPA standards; space needs;
live fires; confined space; burn tower; classrooms; state of the art technology; and future
and needs and phases.
Due to the declining economy, the Public Safety Training Center has been indefinitely delayed.
However, due to the Department not having any training facility, the project team identified the
critical need for a training facility where fire suppression, emergency medical services,
hazardous materials and other training can be accomplished. Such a facility should accommodate
a regional training concept developed in cooperation with other local fire agencies as well as
identified partners. A survey of the comparable fire agencies we use for Meet and Confer
revealed the following:
Comparative Cities Dedicated Fire Training Facilities
Name of City Dedicated Training Facility?
Arlington Yes
No
Carrollton
(uses Lewisville and/or Collin County)
Dallas Yes
Fort Worth Yes
Frisco Yes
Garland Yes
Irving Yes
Lewisville Yes
McKinney Yes
Mesquite Yes
Plano Yes
Richardson Yes
Denton No
Exhibit 9. Survey of Comparative Fire Agencies 2012
Delivering exceptional service demands outstanding training programs by the Police Department
and Fire Department. That is the reason the City Council determined the necessity of a training
facility for public safety as early as 2000. Due to the complete lack of any fire training tower or
January 2013 Page 34
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
fire training facility as well as the inadequacy of its fire arms facility and shooting range, the City
departments to provide for the safety of the citizens of Denton.
PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING FACILITY COMPARISON OF COSTS
BASED ON HISTORICA
Equivalent Components
CIP HOK Study Funding Funding Funding Consultant Study &
Request Request Request Request Council Approved
based on Adjusted Adjusted for Staff
HOK for Inflation Increased Recommendation
Scope of
Service
3
2000 20022004 20072007 2007
Fire Tower $4,206,875 $6,725,400 $8,431,803 $0
$8,167,335
4
Firearms $1,424,209 $0 $0 $1,839,134
Range
1 2
Classrooms $1,110,299$1,410,156 $1,767,948 $822,036 $4,403,218
Sub Totals $10,199,752 $2,661,170
Total $13,000,000 $7,821,383 $8,135,556 $12,860,922 $12,571,218
Exhibit 10. Comparison of Public Safety Training Facility Costs Based on
ts
Assumptions of Exhibit 10:
HOK Phase 1 = 7,241 square feet of classroom space.
1
square feet
2
(7,241/$1,767,948).
Annual construction inflation rates as determined by the Association of G2005=6.1%;
3
2006=4.3%; 2007=2.9%.
Adjusted scope of service to add firearms range using HOK 2002 eed for inflation using AGC figures of annual construction
4
inflation.
The initial cost of constructing a state-of-the-art public safety training facility necessitates
a substantial capital expenditure. The City has spent $3,788,543 since 1999 for consultants,
master plans, business plans, land acquisition, and architects. Additionally, the facility must be
adequately and properly maintained through an annual operating budget to ensure quality
operations for many years. The challenge to the City of Denton is how to sufficiently fund this
training facility without negatively impacting the City's ability to meet its other equally
important financial obligations. Unfortunately, the City froze the project in 2008 during
construction bid review due to the dramatic impact of the national recession.
Due to an available expansion area at their existing facility, the Police Department is in
the process of designing and constructing a training facility for public safety including: several
classrooms of varying sizes; a shoot house as part of the classroom project; a use of force trainer;
and driving simulators. This facility will achieve some of the original items requested by Police
Department in the Public Safety Training Facility master plan in 2007.
January 2013 Page 35
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Training Tower
Training Tower
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
NA Old Condemned NA NA NA 1. This is the only training tower and/or
facility the Fire Department has access
to. However, the training tower is not
safe for use and has been condemned.
Training Tower Recommendations:
1. Demolish and relinquish property to DME or Water/Wastewater.
January 2013 Page 36
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
New Training Facility
New Training Facility
4201 Vintage Parkway
ADA Gender
Sq. Ft. Age Condition Staffing Challenges
Friendly Friendly
1. Expenditure of $3.8 million on the
NA NA NA NA NA NA
site on Vintage Parkway with no ROI.
2. No Training tower or other training
structures for the Fire Department.
New Training Facility Recommendations:
1. Keep the training facility at the current site for the following reasons: First, the site is already fully
designed and all of the architectural, zoning, and approvals are in place. Second, this will make the
entire build process a lot easier if we ever receive any funding. If the funding is put into place, we simply
need to hire an architect to update/stamp the plans and then go out to bid. This should save money
since we will need very little design work completed and we already have the civil
engineering/design/soil testing/ etc. in place
2. Phase in the training facility. Phase 1 in FY2014/2015 would be to construct the originally planned
burn tower, associated outdoor prop(s), and site work associated with the burn tower in the designed
space allocated for the tower in the original master plan which also includes moving the 2 existing burn
structures down to their permanent locations on a concrete pad.
3. Determine the next phases of the training facility in a revision of the original master plan.
4. Work out partnerships with universities and/or private college/ school(s) to conduct at least a basic fire
academy and some specialty classes. At a minimum the revenues from a partnership could pay for the
ongoing operations and maintenance of the burn tower.
Training Facility Estimated Project Costs
Phase 1
Tower with 5 props $1,950,000
Outdoor prop $206,000
Professional fees $244,000
Site work $500,000
Contingency $100,000
Total Estimated Phase 1 Cost $3,000,000
Expected O&M Costs (5-Years) $
This is a Priority 2 Project.
January 2013 Page 37
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Funding Recommendations
Funding Recommendations
January 2013 Page 38
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
P1P
RIORITY ROJECTS
Fund With Full Bond Election in May 2013
This bond election would provide the funds to rebuild all three fire stations (#2, #3, and #4) as
well as purchase any property necessary and/or available to provide sufficient room for the
stations. Due to the substandard condition of these three fire stations, Staff recommends
designing and constructing all three stations at the same time with a completion date of October
2014. There is substantial cost effectiveness to select one architect to design the fire stations and
then select one contractor to construct all three fire stations during the same time line.
Selection of a Bond Committee by the City Council would need to be determined. Previously,
Council considered a Committee as a best practice because it allowed citizens to discuss the
issues involved and to actively persuade voters to approve the bond.
The City Council would have to call for a May election by adopting an ordinance with the
earliest date being February 10, 2013 and the latest date of March 1, 2013.
Most likely, due to the amount of expenditure, this bond would require a tax increase which
would have to be approved by the voters. Currently, every $1 million dollars of capital costs
equals $80,000 of annual debt service. The annual tax cost of debt service is approximately one
(1) cent per $700,000 of debt. Therefore, the estimated tax increase to fund the entire Priority 1
projects would be one and one/half (1.5) cents.
P2P
RIORITY ROJECTS
Fund With Full Bond Election in November 2014 for Priority 2 Projects
This bond election would provide the funds to complete all Priority 2 projects, either as a
standalone bond electt scheduled CIP bond election.
P3P
RIORITY ROJECTS
Fund With CO Bonds/ Annual Budget for all Priority 3 Projects
Use CO bonds along with the normal budgeting cycle in FY2014/2015 to provide the funds to
complete the Priority 3 projects.
P4P
RIORITY ROJECTS
Fund With Annual Budget for all Priority 4 Projects
Use normal budgeting cycle in FY2015/2016 to provide the funds to complete the Priority 4
project.
January 2013 Page 39
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
RF/RDFP
ECOMMENDED IREESCUE EPARTMENT ACILITY ROJECTS
Priority Project Amount Proposed Funding When
2013 Bond Election
#
1 $4,154,465
Rebuild Station 2 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
2013 Bond Election
#
1 $4,154,465
May 2013
Rebuild Station 3
Possible Tax Increase
2013 Bond Election
#
1 $4,154,465
Rebuild Station 4 May 2013
Possible Tax Increase
Phase 1 of Fire Training November
2 $3,000,000
2014 Bond Election
Facility 2014
2014 Bond Election/ November
2 $6,407,000
New Airport Fire Station
FAA Grants2014
#
3 $200,000
Parking Lot at Station 5 CO Bonds/FY BudgetFY2014/2015
#
Improvements at Stations 5
3 $700,000
CO Bonds/FY Budget FY2014/2015
#
and 6
#FY2014/2015
3 $500,000
Acquire Station 8 Property CO Bonds/FY Budget
#
4 $600,000
Acquire Station 9 Property Annual FY BudgetFY2015/2016
Exhibit 11. Summary of Recommended Denton Fire/Rescue Facility Projects
January 2013 Page 40
Denton Fire/Rescue Department Facilities Optimization Study
Statistical Analysis/Maps
Statistical Analysis/Maps
January 2013 Page 41
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