(Milford)– The first phase of a study into fire protection and emergency services in southern Dickinson county got underway Thursday evening with meetings in Milford.
About 35 people attended the first session, consisting of representatives from cities and townships served by the Milford Fire Department. The second session was held with the Fire Department itself.
Both meetings were facilitated by George Oster, a consultant retained by the cities of Milford and Wahpeton. Based on input at the meetings, Oster says his study will include issues such as the need for a new fire station, where it would be placed, what equipment would be needed, whether more than one station is needed for the Milford fire district, how the various governmental entities work and plan together, and how much a new station(s) would cost.
For now, Oster says his study will be limited to the Milford Fire Department, but he says he’d be willing to expand it if requested.
Lakes Regional Healthcare and Spencer Hospital will also be asked to participate in the emergency services part of the study.
So just what led up to the study to begin with? Wahpeton Mayor Mike McDonough told the group his city wanted the study done first before deciding whether to contribute toward the construction of a new fire station in Milford.
Another factor that led up to it is that some homeowner insurance companies are reportedly no longer offering coverage to Wahpeton residents due to the city’s distance from fire stations.
Oster says he’ll prepare a report containing feedback from Thursday’s meetings along with his findings, and report back in the near future.
