FIRE STATION
ADVISORY PANEL
The Fire Station Advisory Panel brings together community members to learn about the city's fire station needs and provide feedback to the City Council.
The Fire Station Advisory Panel was established by the City Council to review information about the challenges and limitations of the city's fire station facilities, explore potential options and provide advisory feedback. The panel will meet four times between October and November to learn about facility needs, review options, discuss financing considerations and share its perspectives with City Council.
The Advisory Panel’s Role
The Fire Station Advisory Panel serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council. Its role is to learn about the condition of the city's fire station facilities, understand the operational and space needs of the Fire Department, hear from subject matter experts, ask questions and share feedback as potential solutions are re-evaluated. The panel does not make decisions on behalf of the city. Final decisions regarding fire station investments remain with the City Council.
advisory panel meetings
The panel will meet four times between October and November. Each will take place at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
October 12: Fire operations presentation and facility tours
October 26: Remodel vs. new construction options
Other meeting materials:
November 9: Financing and project costs
November 30: Final recommendation and wrap-up discussion
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Advisory Panel meetings are open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend and follow the discussion throughout the process. After each meeting, refreshments will be served and attendees will have an opportunity to visit informally with panel members, presenters and city staff.
Panel Selection Process
Interest in serving on the Advisory Panel exceeded the number of available seats. Members were selected using the criteria outlined during the application process, including:
Community perspectives and experiences
Relevant expertise
Commitment to the community
Interest in the project
The selected panel represents a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints from across the community.
advisory panel members
Trevor Kinnard – Resident and construction background
Larrie Pittelko – Resident and Public Safety Committee member
Bob Running – Resident and former Fire Chief
Mike Scott – Resident and Reverse Referendum Petitioner
Steve Shapira – Resident and Fire/EMS program manager at Century College
Erik Simonson – Xcel representative and member of VHEDC board
Jerry Auge – Resident and former Fire Chief
Mike Bigelbach Sr. – Resident and former PT firefighter
Art Carlson – Resident and contracting background
Rin Eimer – Resident and EMT background
Doug Gerlach – Resident and Current PT Firefighter
Peter Helgeson – Resident and HR background
Have questions or ideas for the panel?