WINONA, Minn. – The City Council authorized a study to address space needs of the police and fire departments, perhaps even building a new multi-million combined facility. City Manager Steve Sarvi will head a small group of city leaders for the study. Already there have been on-site visits to cities that have put their police and fire departments under the same roof. Sarvi told the Council that shared spaces have efficiencies. Sarvi used the term “Public Safety Building” for a combined police-fire facility. Asked about remodeling the current Law Enforcement Center if the sheriff follows through on plans to some units elsewhere, Sarvi said that renovations couldrun $4 million. Remaining in the building is simply not feasible, he said.
Ease the squeeze
Currently the city leases space for police from the county next to the Courthouse. Also currently, there are fire stations on East Third, West Fifth and Goodview. The firehouse on Third long has been described for ears as deficient.
Second Street entrance. The backside of the current Law Enforcement Center on Third Street has garage entrances but not enough interior space for all county and city emergency vehicles.