Vadnais Heights could undo new fire station project after complaints
Vadnais Heights fire station rendering
VADNAIS HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Vadnais Heights City Council may backtrack on a plan to build a new fire station just a month after approval after some backlash from residents over the cost of the project.
Fire station project rescinded
What we know:
A proposal on the Vadnais Heights City Council agenda for Tuesday asks members to consider reversing a capital project approved last month.
Last month, the council approved a more than $30 million project to build a new city fire station. The project is set to be financed through bonds and the council was readying to entertain bids this summer.
By the numbers:
Officials said the project would cost residents about $30 to $65 per month, depending on home value.
The backstory:
However, according to the city administrator, the city has received "significant questions and feedback from residents regarding the proposed project" since its approval. The administrator is now recommending that the council rescind the plan approval and instead direct a public relations firm to develop a "comprehensive public engagement and communication plan" for the proposed project.
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated the council would approve a contract with the PR firm at Tuesday's meeting. That contract was actually previously approved at an earlier council meeting.
What they're saying:
In a statement to FOX 9, the city says:
"Ensuring our firefighters are ready when our residents need them most is a critical and essential city service. Right now, the south fire station is outdated and has significant limitations that make it harder for firefighters to respond, train and support 24/7 staffing. To address these challenges, the city plans to invest in a modern, efficient fire station that supports how we manage fire operations today and in the future.
"Since the City Council provided preliminary approval to finance the construction of the new south fire station, the city has received significant questions and feedback from residents regarding the proposed project. While many community members recognize the importance of maintaining high-quality emergency services, it’s become clear that we need to do more to communicate and engage with residents. In recent weeks, we’ve identified areas of confusion and misunderstanding. That tells us we need to take more time to explain the challenges we’re facing, walk through the project and our options, and give residents the space to ask questions and share their perspectives. The City Council will consider rescinding its action approving the Capital Improvement Plan and preliminary bond issuance for the project. This gives the city the opportunity to restart the public engagement process with a renewed focus on transparency, education and community involvement."
What's next:
The council will weigh the decision on the project at its meeting on Tuesday. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.