Decision on future fire station at least 1 month out

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday directed City Manager Chad Adams to pursue acquiring and developing land along the East Main Street corridor for the planned new fire station, though it has not ruled out Blazing Star Landing for consideration.

Councilors directed Adams to look into acquiring land at 702 E. Main St., 714 E. Main St., 718 E. Main St., 801 E. Main St. and 802 E. Main St., along with 101 Shell Rock St. and a parcel jointly addressed at 302 Bridge Ave. and 304 Bridge Ave.

“We’re looking at essentially the entire redevelopment of the area, which would include the fire station as well,” Adams said.

The site is not expected to be selected until soil borings are complete in about one month.

The cost estimate to acquire property along the East Main Street corridor has not been established. If the facility is constructed on the corridor, it is expected to be on the existing Subway restaurant. Domino’s property.

The planned approximately 25,000-square-foot fire station is expected to cost nearly $7 million, including site grading and mitigation and construction of the facility. The cost does not cover the projected cost to acquire land for the building.

Adams said construction on the facility could start in July or August with possible occupancy in spring 2019.

“That’s probably the best-case scenario right now,” he said.

After the meeting, councilors Robert Rasmussen and Rich Murray said they wanted additional information before deciding where they want the fire station.

“There’s pluses and minuses to each site,” Rasmussen said. “The East Main site, it would be kind of nice to have it developed down there. The fire hall would be a good start, but we gotta get those soil borings to see how contaminated the area is, and also what are the acquisition costs.”

Murray said he needs to figure out cost estimates for the two sites and how the city will pay for it.

“That’s my main consideration,” he said.

In other action, the council:

Approved a $56,400 contract with Joseph Co. for work at 132 S. Broadway Ave. The City Council has issued an emergency abatement on the property. Part of the work the company is expected to complete includes the building’s roof. If the building’s masonry walls are deemed unsound, the project will have to be re-engineered and bid for additional work that could exceed $65,000. Demolishing the building could cost more than $100,000.

Adams said neighboring buildings are at risk because of the dangers the building’s condition poses.

“We believe this to be an urgent matter,” he said.

Ordered the improvement and preparation of plans for 2018 Albert Lea street and sidewalk construction projects.