Some time in 2003 residents

across the United States may be seeing commercials regarding the new fire

station currently in the design process for Union City.

What is so special about a

fire station? The new station will have virtually zero utility costs if

all goes according to plan, said Fire Chief Ken Collins. His understanding

is that it is the first light industrial project of its kind ­ something

well worth a bit of publicity.

Collins, Brown Design Group,

Group VI and representatives from Union City have been working closely

to make the goal of zero energy costs a reality.

Brown Design Architect Audra

Brown-Cooper first presented the idea for an energy efficient station

during the bid process. Since Brown Design and Group VI were awarded the

contract, Cooper has actively pursued donations from various energy related

companies. One of the incentives to entice companies to donate will be

the ability to show-off the end result via advertising media.

Additionally, weekend open

houses will be scheduled periodically to allow companies to bring in guests

to survey the station.

Prior to Cooper's involvement,

donations from local developers began the process of helping to defray

costs. Fred Schwamlee gave the city close to one plus acres for the station

and Torrey Homes donated the preliminary site work.

The end result of all the hard

work and donations will hopefully be a showcase fire station costing under

$800,000 with a value of over $1 million.

A zero energy efficient fire

station will attract attention and help in decreasing long-term costs

to taxpayers. However, the station will also serve a much-needed purpose

in the community.

Currently Union City has two

stations which are located relatively close to each other. Once the new

station is operational the "old" Fire Station #1 will be retired

and the new station will become Fire Station #1. The new station is located

on Highpoint Road in the midst of all the newest development in the city

near the new elementary school.

The station is being built

with the future in mind. Although only three firefighters will initially

be on duty at any time when the station first opens, bunks and accommodations

for eight or more are provided for in the design. At the outset the bay

will hold one engine and the reserve engine. However it will be large

enough to hold two engines and a ladder truck or four engines.

There will be three individual

bathrooms and separate bunk spaces to ensure privacy for male and female

firefighters.

Ample storage, a kitchen, office

space and a lobby area will round out the building. One of the offices

will be used as a small workout area and another in the front will be

allocated for a Public Safety Officer.

Designing a zero energy facility

requires attention to details. Paints are being chosen that don't emit

chemicals, helping to keep the air cleaner. Low energy appliances are

being selected. Insulation, windows and construction materials are being

scrutinized to ensure the best efficiency. The roof system will be low

maintenance yet will give back energy.

One item that Collins hopes

to ultimately include in the project is a $50,000 plus solar system. He

notes, "Our goal is to try and get enough donations for the project

so we can afford to get the solar system. Even if we don't get it we will

be extremely energy efficient."

According to an energy consultant

who is working with Brown Design, the station will be 100 times more efficient

than a regular station even if they are unable to obtain funds to purchase

the solar system. Brown-Cooper has contacted a number of companies who

sell the solar systems in hopes one will step forward and donate the system.

In addition to donations from

energy related companies, Collins is open to receiving help from local

Union City merchants, businesses and individuals. He said, "We're

not just looking for participation from large companies. Donations from

local people who want to be involved are welcome."

Groundbreaking for the new

station is scheduled for October. The station should be completed in the

Spring of 2003. For more information on the project contact Chief Ken

Collins at 770-306-6860.