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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 12, 2011 Page 16 Chief O'Neill advised that, when the Building Committee came before the City Council in March of 2011, they recommended this site, after having reviewed other potential options. Chief O'Neill advised that the Macy's site was not cur- rently available; and advised that when MnDOT constructs the Highway 36 un- derpass, there would be the elimination of some ramps in that area, and noted that it had been determined that the Macy's site would not be a good option given that future reconstruction scenario. Chief O'Neill advised that, during review of po- tential sites, the City Hall campus site had come out on top, based in part on the City already owning the land, and its fit to the proposed project, with no addition- al land acquisition required. Chief O'Neill advised that access throughout the City had been given thorough consideration, in addition to response corridor from Victoria to Hamline north of highway 36. Chief O'Neill noted that there was not much available land for a 2.5 acre need, excluding park or school-owned land. Chief O'Neill noted that impacts to neighborhoods was also a consideration; and advised that everyone may want a fire station close by, they didn't necessarily want it in their back yard. Chief O'Neill noted that the City Hall campus site was already used as a station, and impacts to the surrounding neighborhood would be minimal. Chief O'Neill advised that it was not the intent to have a third party re- view of the site, as the architectural team and construction manager would tho- roughly vet the City Hall campus site to ensure that the building was right on that site, was right for the community, and would provide available future growth. If that was not indicated, Chief O'Neill advised that a"Plan B" would need to be re- sorted to, and that such an option had been retained and would be part of the next steps in the process. Councilmember McGehee opined that she didn't want a station to be overbuilt without having a referendum; and noted ongoing discussions about incorporating into a regional fire district, and how that would impact the current proposal; and asked if the City Council would be consulted again on this issue. Chief O'Neill noted that the proposal was to consolidate three (3) existing stations into one (1) station; with that station being larger than any of the current build- ings, but allowing for flexibility within that building to address the future of fire service, which would probably become a regional effort, with fewer fire stations needed, but requiring that they be larger. Chief O'Neill assured Councilmembers that each step going forward would come back before the City Council (e.g. hir- ing an architectural firm; demolition of the existing fire station; design stage). Chief O'Neill advised that it was preferred that the station be community and City Council supported; and that preference dictated their interest in continuing to seek public and City Council input and provide opportunities to share in the process with the community retain the excitement for the project. Councilmember McGehee questioned if this would include public open houses for residents to see plans and provide input.