DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: None, Bexar County
SUBJECT:
Bexar County Emergency Services District 11(BC ESD #11), in accordance with their agreement with the City of San Antonio, has requested to raise their debt limit to construct a new fire station to serve the citizens in the Woodlake and surrounding areas.
SUMMARY:
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) in conjunction with Intergovernmental Relations and other city departments has evaluated the request from BC ESD #11 to increase the allowable debt ceiling limit in order for them to construct a new fire station in their jurisdiction. The SAFD has reviewed the proposed station location and floor plan and determined that they meet the Department’s standard.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Health & Safety Code §775.014(h) allows the City and County to impose conditions on the creation of an emergency services district since the district is within the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of the City of San Antonio. In the Agreement for Approval, BC ESD #11 cannot incur debt in excess of $20,000.00 without the consent of the City. In addition, any fire station constructed by BC ESD #11 will be located and constructed with the concurrence of the Chief of the SAFD.
The City of San Antonio was first contacted in June of 2015 by BC ESD #11 to discuss increasing their debt ceiling in order to construct a new fire station. The City met with BC ESD #11 who expressed concerns due to the uncertainty of annexation in this area.
The City was again contacted by BC ESD #11 in December of 2016 through Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert. Representatives from the City, including the SAFD and the City Planning Department, met with BC ESD #11 board members and their consultant on January 25, 2017 to discuss this issue. The Planning Department gave a briefing on the area that is currently covered by the ESD. This area is included in the initiative to release portions of the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and adjust City boundaries that surround BC ESD #11 to be annexed by the City of Converse.
A full set of plans for the station was delivered to the SAFD along with maps documenting the proposed station location. The San Antonio Fire Department concurs with the station location and facility floor plan.
ISSUE:
It is the desire of the San Antonio Fire Department, pending further approval from other city departments, to allow BC ESD #11 to construct the new fire station to provide better and timelier service to their citizens.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City has the option not to allow the increase in debt for the ESD.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no additional expenditures for these actions unless the city decides to annex this area.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Fire Department recommends the Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Services Committee approves the BC ESD #11 request and recommends consideration by full council by the end of March.