Department Needs

A 24/7 safe room for crime victims, such as domestic or sexual assault victims, will be built into the renovated property off of Highway 61. Our current facility does not meet this need.
The current facility does not allow space for training or collaboration. The new facility addresses this by providing the needed space to support, retain, and recruit staff; also increasing collaboration with other departments and community stakeholders.
Interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects are currently done at other facilities (Forest Lake PD or Chisago County Sheriff’s Office) due to the lack of space and privacy.

The new facility will drastically improve the safety of our firefighters and the community. Currently, there is no dedicated space for firefighters to safely decontaminate. This will address these deficient items and greatly reduce firefighter exposure to cancer-causing agents.
The new facility will provide appropriate spaces to change for different genders, which has become an increased need within the fire service.
The fire apparatus has outgrown our current station. As equipment continues to evolve and expand, the existing facility no longer provides adequate space. These space limitations create safety challenges and reduce operational efficiency. The new facility will ensure modern apparatus can be housed safely and maintained for rapid emergency response.

The new facility will accommodate accessibility needs and meet current building code. City Hall, built in 1977, no longer complies with modern building standards.
The current space limits public meetings and staff training. Staff also work in temporary offices in these public meeting areas. The new location ensures a divided yet cohesive space for both community and staff.