News : City Council: Emergency Services Facility in early planning stages

Back in June of this year, the city council passed and approved a resolution for a request of qualifications for the possible construction of an emergency services facility.

The facility would house the three emergency services in one location, the Vinton Fire Department, the Vinton Police Department, and the North Benton County Ambulance. This project is unique in the idea and Currently, all three emergency services are housed in the flood plain and all are "at the end of their useful lives" according to a memo to the council. 

A committee has been working on the proposed project since April of 2018. Charlie Garwood pointed out that the last fire truck purchased was not purchased to meet the needs of the community, but it was decided by what would fit in the fire station, and right now they are having to store equipment at the light plant because of the lack of space. Scott Geissinger also pointed out that currently, the police department has no indoor locations to park their vehicles in the Iowa winters.

The Committee made a recommendation from nine different firms that were reviewed to hire Solum Lang Architects, Llc from Cedar Rapids. The lead architect for the project would be Mr. Al Buck of Urbana and he would be assisted by Ms. Darci Lorensen of rural Vinton. Both are licensed registered architects.

The council voted to bring an agreement with Solum Land to the next council meeting for recommendation.

At this point these are just preliminary plans as land and funding has not been acquired for the project.