Fire Station 70 (FS 70) in San Pablo is located on San Pablo Avenue almost directly across from City Hall. The station is comprised of approximately 2,500 square feet of modular building construction attached to a three-bay cement masonry unit apparatus bay. The original fire station was torn down as a result of the Loma Prieta Earthquake. The modular construction was designed to be a temporary measure until a replacement facility could be built. Circumstances and fiscal limitations have limited the Fire District’s ability to replace FS 70.  
  
The modular buildings were designed for a capacity of one engine company with three personnel. Over the years a second crew was placed at the station temporarily and most recently Squad 70 was implemented which provides for a total of five personnel in the station that was originally designed for three. Modifications were made that include converting a closet to an additional bedroom to accommodate the increased staffing; although these modifications are truly stop-gap measures. There is no potential to increase restroom and shower capacity given the age of the modular structure and layout of the facility with necessary ADA code requirements and upgrades for any remodel work in the restrooms.  
  
The most suitable solution for the City of San Pablo and the Fire District is the construction of a new fire station to properly support the increased staffing, replace the temporary facility, and provide the type of facility necessary to support our personnel, apparatus, and mission of fire and emergency medical services.  
  
An initial design was developed by an architect, based on our current prototype station design, showing that a 7,000 square foot facility could be constructed on the existing fire station site. The initial cost estimate for this facility was approximately $4 million based on similar fire stations being built in Vacaville, Fairfield, and San Ramon.  
  
Fire District discussions with the City of San Pablo yielded an initial verbal commitment from the City Manager for the City to share 50% of the funding for building the new station, based on the initial estimates.  
  
The remainder of the building, design, and demolition costs would be supported by the Fire District’s capital fund.

Without a new facility to replace Fire Station 70, the Fire District may not be able to support increased staffing for the long-term. The modular building will eventually deteriorate to an unsuitable and unsustainable level forcing a relocation and untimely resolution.

No impact.

Speaker:  Jim Parrott, City of San Pablo.