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Item 1.I.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 06/23/2025 |
| Title: | Acceptance of Grant Funds for Fire Station 5 Interior Remodel |
| Presented by: | Tricia Mae |
| Department: | City Hall Administration |
| Presentation: | No |
| Legal Review: | Yes |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council consent to accept and utilize funds donated by an anonymous grantor for the interior remodel of Fire Station 5.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
This grant represents a significant investment in our City's emergency response infrastructure, ensuring that Fire Station 5 can continue to serve our community efficiently well into the future. In accordance with the grantor's confidentiality agreement, their identity must remain undisclosed until the June 23, 2025 council meeting. They are scheduled to publicly announce this year’s grantees on June 24 as part of their national campaign.
Timeline of events:
Overview:
Originally constructed in 1973, Fire Station 5 spans 6,016 square feet. The proposed 847 square foot interior remodel will enhance safety, functionality, and firefighter well-being.
Key Health & Safety Considerations:
Firefighters face significant health risks due to demanding work conditions, which are exacerbated by the station’s current outdated layout:
The remodel will directly address these challenges through the following improvements:
Timeline of events:
- January 21, 2025, the project was nominated for consideration.
- March 5, 2025, The Billings Fire Department was named a finalist among 4,000 applications.
- May 28, 2025, received confirmation that the project was selected as a winner, securing $280,000 in funding to support the remodel.
Overview:
Originally constructed in 1973, Fire Station 5 spans 6,016 square feet. The proposed 847 square foot interior remodel will enhance safety, functionality, and firefighter well-being.
Key Health & Safety Considerations:
Firefighters face significant health risks due to demanding work conditions, which are exacerbated by the station’s current outdated layout:
- Shared Sleeping Quarters: The current design consists of one large sleeping area, which does not align with modern fire station standards. This setup causes frequent sleep disruptions, increasing risks of exhaustion, cognitive impairment, and serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. https://www.ifsta.org/about-us/news-press/hot-topics/usfa-report-titled-safety-and-health-considerations-design-fire-and
- Limited Shower Facilities: The restroom contains only one large shower, failing to provide inclusivity, privacy, or efficiency. The lack of adequate decontamination facilities contributes to increased exposure to harmful toxins, raising long-term cancer risks. Additionally, shower tiles have deteriorated, further compromising sanitation. https://www.fireandemsfund.com/dangers-of-outdated-firehouses/ https://academic.oup.com/joh/article/63/1/e12219/7249844
- Mental Health Concerns & Suicide Risk: Chronic stress, trauma exposure, and inadequate rest environments elevate rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Firefighters are statistically more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The current shared sleeping arrangement makes it difficult for non-responding crew members to rest undisturbed, compounding fatigue and mental strain. https://academic.oup.com/joh/article/63/1/e12219/7249844
The remodel will directly address these challenges through the following improvements:
- Private Sleeping Quarters: Three separate bedrooms will reduce disturbances, improve sleep quality, and support firefighter health.
- Upgraded Restroom Facilities: The current single-shower design will be replaced with three individual restrooms, improving privacy, inclusivity, and efficiency.
- Enhanced Sanitation & Safety Measures: Aging and failing cast iron sewer lines will be replaced with industry-standard PVC piping. Updated plumbing and HVAC systems will improve living conditions, while fire and CO2 detection systems will enhance emergency preparedness.
- Improved Decontamination Capabilities: A new shower bank will allow for quicker toxin removal, reducing long-term cancer risks.
- Operational Efficiency: Fire Station 5 houses both an engine company and a squad, responding to different types of calls. Individual sleeping rooms will minimize disruptions for non-responding crew members.
- Exterior Enhancements: Landscaping will be updated to comply with City Planning Division regulations.
STAKEHOLDERS
Internal
External
- City Council as approving body
- Facilities Division as Project Manager
- Billings Fire Department as recipient of funds
- Facilities Division as Project Manager
- Billings Fire Department as recipient of funds
External
- The Grantor
- The Grant Administrator
- The Grant Administrator
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
- Approve; or,
- Not Approve
FISCAL EFFECTS
The anonymous grantor operates a matching funds program. The City has proposed $214,000 in matching funds for the project within the Fire Department’s FY26 budget. Additionally, the grantor has contributed extra funds to support the purchase of storage, décor, furniture, bathroom supplies, and other non-tech items that enhance the esthetics and functionality of the renovated spaces.