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Item 1.A.2.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 07/14/2025 |
| Title: | Fire Station 5 Interior Remodel General Contractor Services |
| Presented by: | Tricia Mae |
| Department: | City Hall Administration |
| Presentation: | No |
| Legal Review: | Not Applicable |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Council approve and award a contract for interior remodel of Fire Station 5 to TW Ridley, LLC for $298,400.00.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
Overview:
Fire Station 5, originally built in 1973 and totaling 6,016 square feet, is in critical need of modernization. The proposed 847 square foot interior remodel will significantly improve safety, operational efficiency, and overall quality of life for our firefighters.
With the exception of a limited-scope update in 2012, the dormitory-style sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities remain largely unchanged since their original construction. A key concern is the failure of the cast iron sanitary sewer line, which has led to ongoing wastewater backups inside the station. Additionally, the absence of a dedicated fire alarm system poses a serious safety risk to both personnel and the facility, especially in light of a nationwide rise in apparatus bay fires.
Key Health & Safety Considerations:
Firefighters face significant health risks due to demanding work conditions, which are exacerbated by the station’s current outdated layout:
Proposed Renovations:
The remodel will directly address these challenges through the following improvements:
This remodel aligns with modern fire station design methodologies, improving health, safety, and operational efficiency for firefighters. Investing in these upgrades will ensure a safer and more supportive environment for those who protect our community.
Facilities advertised an Invitation for Bid (IFB) on 06/13 and 06/20/2025 in Yellowstone County News and on the City’s Website. Mandatory pre-bid meetings were held on 06/24 and 06/25/2025 and was attended by twenty-four (24) firms ranging from mechanical, electrical, plumbing and general contractors.
Bids were opened on 07/01/2025 and six (6) bids were received. Bid tabulation is provided below with TW Ridley, LLC being the successful low and responsive bidder.
Fire Station 5, originally built in 1973 and totaling 6,016 square feet, is in critical need of modernization. The proposed 847 square foot interior remodel will significantly improve safety, operational efficiency, and overall quality of life for our firefighters.
With the exception of a limited-scope update in 2012, the dormitory-style sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities remain largely unchanged since their original construction. A key concern is the failure of the cast iron sanitary sewer line, which has led to ongoing wastewater backups inside the station. Additionally, the absence of a dedicated fire alarm system poses a serious safety risk to both personnel and the facility, especially in light of a nationwide rise in apparatus bay fires.
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
Proposed Renovations:
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 CO? 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.
This remodel aligns with modern fire station design methodologies, improving health, safety, and operational efficiency for firefighters. Investing in these upgrades will ensure a safer and more supportive environment for those who protect our community.
Facilities advertised an Invitation for Bid (IFB) on 06/13 and 06/20/2025 in Yellowstone County News and on the City’s Website. Mandatory pre-bid meetings were held on 06/24 and 06/25/2025 and was attended by twenty-four (24) firms ranging from mechanical, electrical, plumbing and general contractors.
Bids were opened on 07/01/2025 and six (6) bids were received. Bid tabulation is provided below with TW Ridley, LLC being the successful low and responsive bidder.
| Name of Bidder | Total Bid |
| Cucancic Construction | $362,700.00 |
| Langlas & Associates, Inc | $327,793.00 |
| Morgan Contractors, LLC | $327,500.00 |
| R&R Taylor Construction, Inc. | $324,936.00 |
| TW Ridley, LLC | $298,400.00 |
| Yellowstone Basin Construction | $347,673.00 |
STAKEHOLDERS
Internal
- City Council as approving body
- Facilities Division as Project Manager
- Fire Department as Facility Operator
External
- TW Ridley, LLC as General Contractor
- Lowes as grantor
- City Council as approving body
- Facilities Division as Project Manager
- Fire Department as Facility Operator
External
- TW Ridley, LLC as General Contractor
- Lowes as grantor
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
- Approve; or,
- Not Approve
FISCAL EFFECTS
The project has secured $280,000 in grant funding through the Lowe’s Hometowns program. In addition, the Fire Department has allocated $214,000 for the project in its FY26 budget, which received preliminary approval from the City Council on June 23, 2025.