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-Editorial
Residents of Calexico came together at a town hall meeting on August 12, 2024, held at Willie Moreno Jr. High, to address the ongoing concerns surrounding Fire Station No. 2, which has been closed for nearly two years, leaving the west side of the city without adequate emergency services.
Acting City Manager Juan Contreras led the presentation, providing an update on the station’s renovation plans and addressing questions from the concerned public about how the closure has impacted their community’s safety and the steps being taken to resolve the issue.
Fire Station #2, constructed in 1989 and located at 900 Grant Street on the west side of the city, was designed to accommodate one triple combination engine and one triple combination reserve engine, with a minimum staff of three assigned to the station. However, due to ongoing deterioration, certain areas of the building became uninhabitable. As a result, the City plans to rehabilitate Fire Station #2 to restore its functionality and ensure it is operational and suitable for fire personnel.
The City of Calexico has made significant strides in the renovation of Fire Station No. 2, marking a crucial development in its emergency infrastructure enhancements. This project has progressed through a series of phases over recent months.
The journey towards renovating Fire Station No. 2 began on January 17, 2024, when the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an Agreement of Professional Services with The Holt Group, Inc. This agreement was crucial for conducting a comprehensive Building Assessment and Improvement Report and overseeing construction management throughout the renovation process.
Just a week later, on January 24, 2024, the City Council took another significant step by approving the project’s bid documents. This approval was a critical move, allowing the project to move forward. The renovation project was formally advertised on January 31, 2024, in the local newspaper and on the City’s official website. This advertisement was followed by a mandatory pre-bid conference held on February 11, 2024, which ensured that all potential contractors were well-informed about the project requirements. Bids for the renovation were opened on February 29, 2024, marking the beginning of the competitive phase of the project.
The contract for the renovation was awarded to A&N Quality Builders on March 6, 2024. Their bid of $966,559.00 was accepted, reflecting a strong proposal for executing the necessary upgrades. Following a pre-construction meeting on March 15, 2024, and the issuance of a Notice to Proceed on March 18, 2024, A&N Quality Builders commenced work on April 1, 2024.
As the renovation progressed, several change orders were approved to address unforeseen needs and enhance the project scope. These change orders included critical updates such as ADA compliance improvements, window and door replacements, lighting system upgrades, fire alarm system installations, and IT infrastructure enhancements. Each of these modifications was essential to ensuring the renovated facility meets current standards and operational needs.
The total funding allocated for the renovation is $1,722,934.36. This substantial amount is sourced from a combination of grants and city funds, reflecting a strong financial commitment to improving the city’s emergency services. The budget encompasses engineering services provided by The Holt Group, construction work undertaken by A&N Quality Builders, and specialized inspection and communication services necessary for the project’s success.
On July 25, 2024, the City Council made another decision by approving a $26,564.36 Purchase Order for Airwave Communication. This order is designated for the acquisition and installation of a new PA system, a video doorbell, and a VHF pager antenna/coax system, all of which are critical components for enhancing the station’s communication capabilities.
