Weston fire station group approves $12,500 response-time mapping study

WESTON — February 26, 2024 — Weston Fire Station Working Group approves $12,500 heat-mapping study and advances draft program. The group unanimously authorized H2M, through architectural consultant Tecton, to compile Weston's computer-aided dispatch records and model response-time coverage at every site under serious consideration, with the fee falling inside a previously approved contract amendment rather than constituting new spending. Tecton's Rebecca said most of the cost is "getting all of the CAD data into that one database." The group then reviewed a draft needs-and-wants framework built by member Bharat's subgroup, with member Carl pressing for sharper separation between code-mandated items (essentially ADA and gender-separated facilities) and NFPA-driven best practice. Staffing scenarios ranged from the current 40 personnel to 56 under NFPA 1710 with mutual aid. Member Steve presented preliminary sketches for three candidate sites; DPW noted the Wellesley Street school site would force a Case Campus wastewater treatment plant expansion previously estimated at $10 million to $20 million. The group next meets March 18.