MAYOR HAZEL IS IN DC AT PUBLIC POWER CONFERENCE BUT TOOK THE TIME TO SHARE SOME GOOD NEWS REGARDING THE PLANS FOR THE CITY OF CELINA ON A NEW FIRE STATION. HERE IS MAYOR HAZEL…
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HAZEL SAYS THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A FORMAL VOTE WEDNESDAY EVENING. AFTER THAT, HE SAYS THE CITY WILL BE ABLE TO DEVELOP AN R F P AND ISSUE IT FOR DESIGN SERVICES.
HAZEL SAYS THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR A NEW FACILITY COULD TAKE NINE MONTHS TO A YEAR. HE ADDED THAT ONCE DESIGN IS COMPLETE, THE CITY WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO PURSUE POSSIBLE GRANTS AND DETERMINE LONG TERM FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT. AS FOR A CONSTRUCTION START, HAZEL SAYS THE POTENTIAL WINDOW FOR BREAKING GROUND COULD BE AROUND 2028 OR 2029, BUT HE STRESSED THERE IS STILL WORK TO DO. HE CALLED THE SITE PURCHASE THE FIRST MAJOR HURDLE THE CITY HAS BEEN ABLE TO CLEAR AND SAYS HE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO MOVING THE PROJECT AHEAD.
Celina City Council Unanimously Approves Grand Lake Road Land Purchase for New Fire Station
CELINA, Ohio — After more than a year of study and discussion, Celina City Council unanimously approved legislation to move forward with plans for a new fire station on Grand Lake Road.
Council members voted 6-0 to suspend the standard three-reading rule and pass the ordinance as an emergency measure, signaling what members described as a strong commitment to the project.
Council leadership emphasized the decision was not made hastily. Officials said the proposal is the result of a year-and-a-half process that included a feasibility study, evaluation of multiple properties, and executive sessions.
“This was not a shotgun decision,” one council member said during the meeting, noting the city explored numerous options before determining a new build on the selected site was the best long-term solution for the community.
Officials also said converting an older 1890-era building into a fire station was considered but ultimately determined not to be the best option.
Council confirmed the fire chief is aware of and supports the current plan.
The ordinance authorizes the purchase of two vacant lots on Grand Lake Road that would provide adequate space for the new facility.
Other Council Action
In additional business:
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Council introduced Ordinance 6-26-O, authorizing a lease agreement between the city and the Celina Concert Series for use of the Bryson Park District.
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Council approved on third reading an amended ordinance updating water rates. The measure passed 6-0 following a roll call vote.
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Department directors reported no additional updates during administrative reports.
The meeting then moved on to other agenda items.
