BELLA VISTA -- The City Council took the first step Monday toward building a replacement for Fire Station No. 3.
The council voted unanimously to buy 3 acres on Glasgow Road, across the street from where the current station sits, for $57,000.
Mayor Peter Christie said th station, which was built in the 1980s, isn't adequate to meet the surrounding area's needs as that portion of the city has grown.
"There has been a lot of building since then and it has had a tough time serving. It's a two-man operation," he said. "We really need to have a fire station that's going to provide adequate protection for the residents on the west side."
Beginning construction on the new station is some time out, he said, and the city will need to figure out how to pay for it.
Ultimately, the current station will be removed once the new one is operational, he said, and a sand and salt storage facility for the Street Department will be on the land Station 3 occupies.
Council member Doug Fowler said he spent some time checking GIS maps and couldn't find a better place for the station.
"There really isn't any other land available," he said.
The council also approved a partial vacation of a subdivision, a franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy to supply natural gas, a contract for seasonal right-of-way mowing and appointments to the arts council and board of construction appeals. The council tabled a rezoning request indefinitely.
NW News on 03/26/2019