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.

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 SCHEDULE

The panel will meet four times between October and November:

  • October 12: Fire operations presentation and facility tours

  • October 20: Remodel vs. new construction options

  • November 9: Financing and project costs

  • November 30: Final recommendation and wrap-up discussion

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

Meeting Information & Updates

This page will serve as the central location for Advisory Panel information, including meeting dates, locations and updates from each session. Additional information will be posted here as it becomes available. Please check back regularly for updates.

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