Fire Chief Tripp told the board that the Eastside Firehouse project is progressing and that staff have met with the public works director and the WPCA director to coordinate sewer and facility work.

"Eastside Station coverage... it's still moving forward," Chief Tripp said, adding that he met with the public works and WPCA directors and that some minor renovations are needed for safety before personnel are assigned there.

Tripp said the department will establish a building committee to oversee planning and asked for a commissioner to serve. He named Jim Potter as a participant he expects to be "instrumental" in the committee.

The chair said the Board of Public Safety will hold a joint meeting with the City Council on Monday, Dec. 15 at 06:30 for a presentation on a proposed public-safety complex so that both boards can view the presentation together.

Tripp told commissioners he expects to have "hard numbers" for manpower and station costs by Jan. 8, which will inform the budget process.

What happens next: the board will form a building committee and hear detailed cost and staffing figures in January as the budgeting cycle begins.