Council tables fire station issue, forms committee

by Dan Holland

Feb. 24 city council meeting

Broadview Heights City Council voted 5-1 to table an ordinance that would have advanced $11.5 million from the city’s general fund to the fire station fund to construct a $14-million fire station and headquarters on city campus. It was announced during the meeting, following the vote, that a five-person Fire Station Committee would be formed to study the matter further and return with a report to city council within 60 days.

A number of councilmembers during a Feb. 17 council work session expressed an interest in looking into the possibility of forming an ad hoc committee and exploring the possibility of building two fire stations with the available funds. Under the current proposed plan, Fire Station 1, at 3591 East Wallings Rd., would remain open and be renovated. 

City Council President Robert Boldt announced during the Feb. 24 meeting that the Fire Station Committee will consist of councilmembers Jennifer Mahnic, Joe Price and Tom Pavlica, Fire Chief Jeff Hajek and planning commission Chair Ken Emling. 

During the Feb. 24 meeting, Mayor Sam Alai expressed his opposition to the views of a number of councilmembers shared at the Feb. 17 work session. He addressed a number of statements from the meeting that he characterized as misleading or false.

Alai noted, for example, that fire stations currently planned or under construction in other communities at lower costs cannot be fit into a “one-size-fits-all” comparison. 

“It’s disingenuous to cherry-pick numbers without any context or depth of information,” said Alai. “Funding sources such as a tax, a bond, cash, or any combination thereof were also factors. Population, square miles of each city, rural versus density of populated areas within the city, the number of fire stations, each of their proximity to each other, and much more all impact each station’s design and cost.”

Alai also refuted a comment that $900,000 had been spent by the city on architectural plans for the proposed station, citing the correct amount as $728,313.

“Another councilman said that he wanted a plan drawn up for the Wallings Road station before he will consider moving or approving funds to build a new Broadview Road station,” Alai continued. “But in his next breath, he also criticized the fact that new plans for a new fire station were drawn up before the project was approved. So, what is his preference? Pay for plans before projects are approved or pay for plans after approved?”

Alai acknowledged the suggestion at the previous work session to build two fire stations, noting that the action would require two new sets of architectural plans. 

“That new suggestion would also create a loss of precious time, and will surely continue to negatively impact us by rising prices and, likely, the inability to pay for both stations,” he said. “But if that is their preference, I’d love to have two new stations for this community.”

Alai was asked why a “cash” option to build a new $11.5 million station was not chosen when the issue, which would have included a tax increase, went before voters and failed at the polls in May 2022. He said there had been a one-time-only spike in the balance of the city’s general fund, coupled with uncertainties associated with the Covid-19 pandemic at the time.

Alai also took exception to a comment from one councilmember stating that “firefighters save lives; not buildings.” He cited increases in fire department manpower and purchased equipment over the years as having been the first major steps, with a new station being the final step in providing proper fire/EMS services.

“Our community needs a fire station now,” said Alai prior to the vote. “So, whatever path this council chooses, I hope we all can work together and come back with a plan that addresses our firefighters’ needs and our community’s expectations.”

Ward 2 Council Representative Brian Wolf cast the sole yes vote to advance general funds into the fire station fund. Councilperson Joe Price was not present at the Feb. 24 meeting.

“In regards to the fire station, we have what we need; we have the money,” said Wolf following the vote. “Everyone says they support the fire department and the fire station. However, their actions do not support the firefighters, they do not support the fire station, they do not support the residents, and I don’t believe they support the city.”

“The idea for having two stations would be nice, but there’s no way you’re going to be within that same amount of money and be at the same class that we were with the one station,” he added.

Resident comments

“It is very important for us to focus on the opportunity we have to move forward rather than speculating on past concerns that may no longer be relevant,” said resident Lyn Haselton, prior to council’s vote. “There has also been a suggestion that we can build a less expensive fire station. Cost savings should not come at the expense of functionality and safety. A scaled down version will not adequately support our firefighters today, nor will it meet the needs of our growing community in the years ahead.”

“I cannot believe after all of the hubbub of the budget issues at the beginning of the year, and the panic that was instilled in most of our community, that now we can’t even agree on a fire station,” added resident Kathy Gaudio following the vote. “It’s unbelievable to me. I’m just really sad and disappointed. I thought we put our first responders as a priority in the city.”

Council ultimately approved an ordinance providing for the submission to the electorate of an amendment to Article V, Section 5 of the city charter to provide that there shall be two fire stations in the city of Broadview Heights with each having at least one fire truck and one EMS vehicle.

In other news, council also approved:

• An agreement to accept a donation of $6,662 from Broadview Heights Firefighters Local 3646 to purchase weight equipment from Rogue for the fire department.
• An agreement with BPI Information Service for multi-factor authentication and cyber security training in the city at a cost of $755 per month.
• An agreement with SealMaster for crack sealing materials at a cost of $43,111.
• An agreement with Donald Bohning & Associates for additional civil engineering and surveying services for the 2025 Avery Road Improvement project at a cost of $9,850.

An agreement with Ken Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora for the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado for the city’s engineering department at a cost of $48,178.