It looks like the new Fire Chief is willing to take a second (or maybe it's a third) look at the idea of a new, consolidated station up on Skyline Blvd. The Daily Journal has the latest turn of events here
Plans to build a temporary fire station — a move toward exploring additional shared services between Peninsula cities — were put on hold after Burlingame and Millbrae residents at community meetings asked if it was possible to maintain services the way they are now.
There have been a few of us who have been thinking that for some time and the new city manager and fire chief apparently want to start fresh
During the Burlingame meeting, residents questioned whether the budget was such that closing a station was still a financial necessity. In Millbrae, some in the community asked if a higher fire tax was possible to allow the current station to stay open. Between now and December, both cities will have a chance to explore the idea further before finalizing plans for the temporary station.
Burlingame City Manager Lisa Goldman said the city’s budget is in a better shape than it was a couple of years ago when the temporary station idea first came up, but the city is always looking to save taxpayer money. Further shared services savings would accrue as a result of the station.
That last statement will certainly bear another look since it depends on what costs and risks one looks at and what services (e.g. crew size, response time) one is considering.
The amount of funding that goes into this study must be astronomical.
However, statistically, is there a real need for another fire house, or shared services?
Statistically, how many homes, business's, schools, and "open space" are burning everyday, every month, yearly?
That question should be answered before any more time and money is spent on this finding.
There must be someone (At City Hall Burlingame)who is brave enough to produce this "basic information".
Before the New City of Burlingame Manager, Finance Manager,and City of Burlingame Attorney "Green Light" this very expensive decision to move forward ,I would like to know the satistics..Only Stats.
Then present that to the taxpayers.
My understanding is that @ 91% of all Fire Dept calls are for physical emergencies.
Posted by: Holyroller | May 23, 2013 at 07:10 PM