City staff presented a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction of a new Fire Station Number 5 at Lake Archer Nature Park and outlined related site and park improvements.

The design‑build team from Whitehead Construction prepared site plans and a GMP that places the construction cost not to exceed $5,278,671. The new public safety facility is approximately 9,000 square feet and will replace a temporary station currently located on property owned by Champions Church. The project scope includes station facilities, eight additional boat/trailer parking spaces at the boat ramp, walking path improvements, and park entranceway improvements to accommodate fire operations.

Staff said some roadway improvements will be necessary on Shore Road (a county road) and Twentieth Street to accommodate fire apparatus weight and turning radii; the city will coordinate with Polk County on those needs. The presentation estimated construction start in November and a 12‑month construction schedule. The project budget presently includes $5,002,000; staff said an additional funding gap of roughly $276,671 would be covered first from unbudgeted interest earnings and then, if needed, from the city’s general fund unassigned balance above policy thresholds.

Commissioners discussed staffing and future station planning. Fire Chief Neubrand explained past consolidations and the city’s efforts to reduce response times by adding or redistributing companies. Commissioners also discussed the potential for shared space with county EMS or community uses such as an educational area or dog park behind the station. Staff said the station design includes durable elements such as metal roofing to extend long‑term life and that the city intends to keep future station designs replicated to control costs.

No formal vote was recorded in the transcript; staff said construction would begin upon contract execution and funding reconciliation.