Keeping a changing Taylor safe is the next project for the Taylor Fire Department.
On Jan. 27, the Taylor City Council effectively approved moving forward with the development of a fire services master plan. The city has entered into a contract with Citygate Associates, LLC, for $68,109 to develop the plan.
“From the time the project tentatively kicks off, it’s about five- to six-month time frame,” said Daniel Baum, Taylor Fire Department chief. “I would hope to kick off in February, so looking at a … July to August timeframe, I think we’d be complete.” The Taylor Fire Department
The Taylor Fire Department has maintained a constant staffing and deployment model for more than 20 years. However, according to the city’s analysis, that model is reaching its limits
“The community has changed quite a bit during the time,” said Baum. “With the influx of new growth and the types of new growth that are anticipated with the Comprehensive Plan that was recently adopted as well as the Samsung project that we know is coming, it’s time to evaluate our current capabilities and seek some guidance on where we need to go forward.”
Baum referenced the recent announcement of a Samsung Austin Semiconductor plant to be built in Taylor in upcoming years. The facility is planned to be approximately 1,268.23 acres in recently annexed land at the former intersection of county roads 401 and 404 in a heavy industrial zone with a commercial planned development overlay.
One of Citygate’s principals, Stewart Gary, is a reason why Baum is encouraged to work with the group.
“He was formerly the fire chief in Livermore, California, where the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is, so he’s got quite a bit of experience with semiconductor and nuclear facilities,” said Baum. “He understands the complexity of what we’re up against.”
A fire services master plan will evaluate the city’s capabilities compared to national standards and in regards to growth. The plan should guide future decisions on staffing, fire station location, equipment needs and service levels provided.
“It’s going to involve a significant amount of stakeholder input — whether that’s elected officials, community members, Samsung for sure — to make sure that we get everybody’s input of what kind of services and capabilities the fire department needs to have moving forward,” said Baum.
For more from the discussion, visit https://taylortx.swagit.com/play/01272022-761/5.
