Report Prepared by: Billy Alcorn, Deputy Chief, Merced Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Supplemental General Fund Appropriation of $35,000 to Purchase Secured Fencing Around Fire Station 53.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Authorizing a Supplemental Appropriation from the General Fund unreserved fund balance in the amount of $35,000 for a secured fence around Fire Station 53.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing a supplemental appropriation from the General Fund unreserved fund balance in the amount of $35,000 in account 001-0901-627.65-00 to build a fence around Fire Station 53 to provide necessary station security.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff;
2. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (subject to be addressed in motion);
3. Continue item to a future Council meeting (date to be specified in motion); or
4. Deny request.
AUTHORITY
Merced City Charter Section 200- Powers of the City
Merced City Charter Section 1105 Budget Appropriations (five affirmative votes required)
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Employee and City Facilities Security.
DISCUSSION
Fire stations can be inviting target for burglary and vandalism crimes because of the expensive equipment and supplies, both firefighting and non-firefighting in nature, located in the station. In addition, it can be challenging to secure personal vehicles belonging to the public and City employees while they are parked at the fire stations. Each of our firefighting personnel park their personal vehicles in the designated parking area of each fire station. Out of the five stations located throughout the City of Merced, four of these stations have secured fencing around the back or designated parking area of each station. While we have had individuals jump the fences in the past or make an attempt to break-in, the fence has provided adequate security to delay or deter their attempts.
Fire station 53, which is located at 800 Loughborough Drive, is the only fire station in
the City of Merced that does not have secured fencing around the rear of the station. Located in the rear of the station is the personal parking area, storage shed, fuel station, and access to the fire station through apparatus bay doors. Over the last six months, this station has seen an increase in challenges that have necessitated the need to implement security at this station. One of our firefighters had his vehicle tagged with spray paint during the middle of the night, while another had his personal belongings stolen from the cab of his vehicle while the engine company was committed to an emergency incident. Additionally, the personnel located at this station have seen an increase in foot traffic through the rear of the station. This includes people rummaging through the dumpster, walking across the driveway as the engine is pulling into the station, and people sleeping between the station and the storage shed. Unfortunately, the crews at this station have also found individuals shooting heroin behind the station, amongst other illegal type of activities.
As a firefighter, one of the greatest joys of our profession is public interaction. Therefore, we need to ensure the most balanced approach in keeping our stations inviting to the public but not inviting to criminal activity. Securing this location with a fence around the rear of the station would be the recommended approach to add the necessary station security while still allowing the fire station to be inviting to the public. The completion of this project will not exceed $35,000.
Throughout this process, the Merced Fire Department contacted three local fence companies to request bids. Two of these companies responded to the request. One of them provided a complete bid, while the other company was unable to complete the project due to not being able to install the electronic gate. In efforts to purchase local, another local bid was received that was significantly greater than the selected bid. After additional research, it was identified that not many companies in the City of Merced perform wrought iron fence work. The company that was selected is ANV Contractors out of Atwater, CA with a bid of $32,500.00
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
A supplemental appropriation from the General Fund unreserved fund balance in the amount of $35,000 is required to build a fence around Fire Station 53 to add the necessary station security.