City Schedules Study Session to Discuss Additional Funding for New Firehouse

The City Council has scheduled a study session for Monday to discuss additional funding for a new firehouse in University City.

The study session is planned for 6pm on Monday, October 3, in the basement of City Hall. 

Twice this month, the city council has postponed voting on approving additional funds for the new firehouse, which would replace Engine House No. 1, currently located at 6801 Delmar Blvd. The new fire station is to be built on Vernon and Westgate Avenues.

At the council meeting this past Monday, City Manager Lehman Walker said staff would arrange a study session as soon as possible, after several councilmembers voiced support for one.

"I don’t feel comfortable voting on this," said Councilmember L. Michael Glickert at Monday night's city council meeting. "There are just too many unknowns."

Fire Chief Don Miner told the council that the need for additional money came to light in July as the fire department was working on the design of the new firehouse.

City staff has recommended approval—saying the money should come out of city reserves. However, councilmembers ultimately felt the issue needed more study.

BACKGROUND ON THE FIREHOUSE FUNDS

In July 2009, University City submitted a grant application to build a new firehouse to replace Engine House #1. The original request was for $3,149,178 with a $200,000 commitment from the City, for a total of $3,349,178. The City was awarded $2,612,197, which is $536,981 less than originally requested. In addition, there has been some costs increase during the delay of the project. The fire department is requesting additional funding from U City in the amount of $674,494 to complete the project.