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12 May 2023
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Fire stations of the world: Monticello Fire Department, Monticello, Minnesota, US
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The new Monticello Fire Department fire station on Chelsea Road in Monticello, Minnesota in the US, was completed in early 2020. The fire department moved into the building in March. Construction began in May 2019 and wrapped up in February 2020.This 20 000 square foot facility made up of a precast concrete structure houses an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), administrative offices, large training room, hose/training tower, 12 apparatus bays, gear grid room, fitness room, radio room, SCBA room, sweat sauna, dirty restroom, emergency generator, display area for historic fire trucks and storage rooms. The project was also designed to accommodate growth of the department, with space planned for future overnight sleeping rooms and a day room for full-time fire fighters.
The building lot, which is shaped like a trapezoid, made it very difficult to develop a cost-effective building envelope that accommodated all of the spaces on the main floor of the building. As a result, it was proposed that the more residential living quarters be pushed to the second floor of the building. Because of budget concerns, the completion of the second-floor living quarters for the “future full-time duty crews” was deemed sacrificial and was included in the project plans as an “add alternate bid.” Until needed as future living quarters, the unfinished second floor space is used for search and rescue training as well as to provide the department with additional storage space. The project was brought in 18 percent under budget.
Staff
The department currently has 30 volunteer members under the direction of Fire Chief Michael Mossey.
Apparatus and equipment
Monticello Fire Department operates eight apparatus from one station, including a hazardous materials response trailer.
Services
Fire suppression and prevention/education
Rescue services
Hazardous materials containment
Code enforcement
Fire inspections
Permit review
Mutual aid service to other cities as a member of the North Suburban Mutual Aid Association
Jurisdiction
The Monticello Fire Department's primary coverage area serves the City of Monticello, Monticello Township and Silver Creek Township.
Ground-breaking ceremony
On 10 May 2019 the city held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the project's next phase. City Council, retired and active fire fighters, citizens and staff were present to commemorate the moment before construction crews got to work at the site.
Background
After more than 30 years since being constructed, the Monticello Fire Station was no longer meeting the needs of the department. In 2017 the city began exploring whether to expand the station at its current location or construct a new building in a different location. Ultimately, the City Council decided new construction would be most efficient and effective.
Location
After reviewing several options, the council selected a city-owned lot at 103 Chelsea Road. The new location offers:
A central location in the city with direct access to and from the site for firefighters and emergency response vehicles.
Access to the Fallon Avenue Overpass to avoid the crowded TH 25 corridor
Access to I-94 for accidents on the freeway.
Large enough land area for the fire station and vehicle access without disrupting current uses on the property.
Building design and approval
A Fire Department Building Committee made up of representatives from the Fire Department, City Council and city staff worked with an architect to create the plans for the new building. In December 2018 the City Council approved the plans and specifications and authorised staff to bid the project. In January 2019 the City Council awarded the $4,1 million contract for construction in 2019.
Financial impact
The estimated cost of the fire station was included in the Capital Improvement Plan approved by the City Council in 2018. To fund the project, the city can sell up to $5,6 million in General Obligation Bonds, allowing the cost of the project to be incorporated into the tax levy and financed over a period of 15 years.
Sales tax exemption
During the 2019 session, the city successfully pursued legislation for a sales tax exemption on the costs of construction. A bill passed with the omnibus tax bill allows Monticello to get a reimbursement for the sales tax spent on materials, supplies and equipment used in construction of the fire station. The reimbursement means the city can more efficiently use the funds allocated for this important public safety project.
Sources: Monticello Fire Department, Brunton Architects and Engineers
The building lot, which is shaped like a trapezoid, made it very difficult to develop a cost-effective building envelope that accommodated all of the spaces on the main floor of the building. As a result, it was proposed that the more residential living quarters be pushed to the second floor of the building. Because of budget concerns, the completion of the second-floor living quarters for the “future full-time duty crews” was deemed sacrificial and was included in the project plans as an “add alternate bid.” Until needed as future living quarters, the unfinished second floor space is used for search and rescue training as well as to provide the department with additional storage space. The project was brought in 18 percent under budget.
Staff
The department currently has 30 volunteer members under the direction of Fire Chief Michael Mossey.
Apparatus and equipment
Monticello Fire Department operates eight apparatus from one station, including a hazardous materials response trailer.
Services
Fire suppression and prevention/education
Rescue services
Hazardous materials containment
Code enforcement
Fire inspections
Permit review
Mutual aid service to other cities as a member of the North Suburban Mutual Aid Association
Jurisdiction
The Monticello Fire Department's primary coverage area serves the City of Monticello, Monticello Township and Silver Creek Township.
Ground-breaking ceremony
On 10 May 2019 the city held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the project's next phase. City Council, retired and active fire fighters, citizens and staff were present to commemorate the moment before construction crews got to work at the site.
Background
After more than 30 years since being constructed, the Monticello Fire Station was no longer meeting the needs of the department. In 2017 the city began exploring whether to expand the station at its current location or construct a new building in a different location. Ultimately, the City Council decided new construction would be most efficient and effective.
Location
After reviewing several options, the council selected a city-owned lot at 103 Chelsea Road. The new location offers:
A central location in the city with direct access to and from the site for firefighters and emergency response vehicles.
Access to the Fallon Avenue Overpass to avoid the crowded TH 25 corridor
Access to I-94 for accidents on the freeway.
Large enough land area for the fire station and vehicle access without disrupting current uses on the property.
Building design and approval
A Fire Department Building Committee made up of representatives from the Fire Department, City Council and city staff worked with an architect to create the plans for the new building. In December 2018 the City Council approved the plans and specifications and authorised staff to bid the project. In January 2019 the City Council awarded the $4,1 million contract for construction in 2019.
Financial impact
The estimated cost of the fire station was included in the Capital Improvement Plan approved by the City Council in 2018. To fund the project, the city can sell up to $5,6 million in General Obligation Bonds, allowing the cost of the project to be incorporated into the tax levy and financed over a period of 15 years.
Sales tax exemption
During the 2019 session, the city successfully pursued legislation for a sales tax exemption on the costs of construction. A bill passed with the omnibus tax bill allows Monticello to get a reimbursement for the sales tax spent on materials, supplies and equipment used in construction of the fire station. The reimbursement means the city can more efficiently use the funds allocated for this important public safety project.
Sources: Monticello Fire Department, Brunton Architects and Engineers