Page 396 - City of Bedford FY21 Budget

a second story expansion over the existing Detention facility. The addition would ideally include
office space and a conference room. It is believed the building was designed to accommodate a
second story over that space, but this would need to be confirmed to ensure that the building is
structurally sound for the expansion.

ANIMAL CONTROL EXPANSION
The Animal Shelter was built in 1990 when animals were kept for a maximum of three days and
health services were not provided to the animals. Additionally, the animal population has increased
with the City’s population, resulting in more adoptable animals being brought to the Shelter.
Currently, it is not uncommon for the shelter to house adoptable animals for extended periods.
Due to the longevity of housing, the care needed for animals has increased greatly. Animals are
held in kennels designed for the 3-day, short-term holdings and, therefore, there is not adequate
space to provide the services required and expected by the Shelter. Expanding the Shelter would
include larger and improved spaces and provide a more comfortable environment for
individuals/families to have one-on-one visits with adoptable animals and provide adequate space
for staff breaks or lunches as the current space is being used to store animal care supplies and food.

REMODEL AND REPLACEMENT OF FIRE STATIONS
The Fire Department’s facilities are aging and in need of repairs, improvements or possibly
replacement. All stations need significant improvements, and expansions. Fire and EMS service
demands are different in many ways today as compared to when the stations were constructed.
Technology and capacity needs have changed significantly over the past 30 years. All three fire
stations have significant deficiencies that need to be addressed as soon as possible. The location
and spacing of the Fire stations are less than ideal. Therefore, relocating one or more of the stations
should be considered as part of a coordinated and planned approach. The stations lack required
safety equipment, appropriate restroom and bedroom capacities, report writing offices, workout
facilities, and separated personal protective equipment storage rooms. Additionally, safety
concerns exist due to a lack of biohazard decontamination facilities and vehicle exhaust removal
systems.

REPLACEMENT EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is in need of replacement. The EOC, located in
the basement of Building B, is technologically outdated, undersized and in disrepair. The City
should strongly consider a replacement EOC be built and incorporated into another upcoming City
facility construction project. Common options include, but are not limited to, being built into a
new City Hall, Fire Station, Law Enforcement Center expansion project or a new Combined Police
and Fire Training Facility.

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