The city approved replacing brick pavers in the fire station’s north parking lot with solid concrete.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said the city had utilized permeable pavers in the north parking lot as a way of sustainability in stormwater control.
In the years since the pavers were installed, however, the city has not done the proper maintenance to the pavers. As well, the fire department utilizes their north parking lot for training exercises, which include practicing procedures with vehicle extrications with lifesaving materials. That adds to items like glass and metal shards infiltrating the permeable pavers.
The pavers have also led to a degree of silica infiltration and erosion around the parking lot.
Nosbisch said this wasn’t necessarily a cut and dry instance of going with straight concrete, and wanted council’s discussion, knowing sustainability efforts are something the council considers.
Council member Paul Tuerler, who was on council when the original design was approved, said this could be a learning experience for the city and the use of the parking lot for necessary trainings wasn’t something the council had considered back then.
“That training is important and needed,” Tuerler said.
Council member Debra Herrmann was most concerned about the potential impact of the water and where it would go if concrete was placed as opposed to permeable pavers.
Public works director Eldon Downs said if the plan were to move to concrete for the parking lot, he will work to help direct the water flow to the adjacent lagoon northeast of the parking lot as opposed to the street.
Council member Scott Rose’s worry was on the fluids these cars may hold before they are utilized in rescue operations. Nosbisch explained that before any vehicle can be used for training, it has to be properly drained of those fluids.
Tuerler moved to change the parking lot to concrete, with Scott Rose seconding. The matter passed unanimously.