FVCC to look at fire station

Flathead Valley Community College trustees talked Monday about the possibility of placing Kalispell's new northern fire station on the campus.

President Jane Karas told trustees that fire department officials were interested in renewing discussions with the campus.

"As you know, they did pass their mill [levy]," Karas said.

She said they wanted to move forward with choosing a site, including getting a soil test at the college before the ground freezes.

In response to board questions, Karas said she understood that the campus site was one of two top choices. She added that she couldn't speak for fire officials.

Trustees agreed to appoint a committee to study the proposal presented prior to the election by the Kalispell fire and police chiefs.

The campus location lies within the desired area for the $3 million fire station, which would serve the north end of Kalispell. The location would also facilitate an opportunity for the college to expand its fire-related training programs.

Karas said the college would continue providing firefighter training programs regardless of the location. However, having the facility on campus would allow fire staff to remain close to equipment to respond to emergencies.

According to Fire Chief Randy Brodehl, the fire station could become a training center for all of Northwest Montana. He said career educational programs elsewhere include two-year as well as four-year degrees.

"We think having the college set up the program would work very well," he told board members at the earlier meeting.

Board Chairman Bob Nystuen said he wanted more information about how a station on campus fit into the college's recently adopted 30-year master plan.

Trustee Tom Harding said he was bothered by having to make such an important decision too quickly.

"We don't have to make the decision today, tomorrow or next month," Karas said.

She said the college would make certain that trustees have the information needed before considering the proposed fire station on campus.

Trustees voted unanimously to have a committee study the issue. Nystuen said the committee would meet with the fire department to develop options for the college to consider.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com