It’s annual budget time, and we have two problems. Okay, more than two problems, but two rise to the top for immediate action. The current Ivins Public Safety Facilities Plan shows there is a need for an additional fire station in Ivins as well as a need to return the Center Street station to fully operational status.
Currently, without the Center Street station staffed to provide appropriate fire/EMS services, Ivins has no fire stations and relies on the Santa Clara station on Rachel Drive, across from Harmon’s. But it barely covers half of Ivins and almost nothing north of Center Street within 5-minute response times, as shown in the Facilities Plan. And coverage is even worse west of 200E.
If the Center Street station was fully operational, like it used to be, most of Ivins would be covered, except for most of the area west of 600W which is significant. So, we still need to budget for another fire station in Ivins to ensure the whole city is served appropriately.
Everyone on the City Council expressed concern about these two problems at our last meeting. It will be discussed again at the June 2nd meeting because it is a serious public safety deficiency. In addition to the obvious safety issue, we’ve also learned that some residents are having problems getting or renewing their property insurance because of inadequate fire coverage.
There is a complication though. Although our City Council is anxious to correct this problem, Ivins shares police, fire, and EMS services with Santa Clara. Ivins manages police services while Santa Clara manages fire/EMS.
I believe getting Center Street operational again can happen quickly as long as the new Fire Chief, Andrew Parker, can juggle staffing effectively and/or recruit personnel quickly which is a challenge in this economy. Building a new fire station will take longer.
The solutions are not simple. They are also expensive. And they are necessary. I’ll keep you updated, hopefully with good news soon.