Damage at the Westlake Police Department has prompted city officials to consider a renovation that could cost as much as $2.7 million. Westlake leaders are also weighing whether to use the project as an opportunity to bring regional fire dispatch under the same roof for the first time.
Sixmo Inc.'s architectural-services fee for the project is capped at $82,250.
Sixmo has done similar work elsewhere in the region, having previously handled a building assessment for Bay Village's Dwyer Center, according to City of Bay Village meeting minutes.
A Renovation Born From Flood Damage
The Westlake Police Department headquarters at 27300 Hilliard Blvd. is staffed by 54 sworn officers serving a municipal population of more than 31,000, according to Discover Policing.
Westcom handles fire and emergency medical dispatch in the region, according to the City of Fairview Park. It has operated out of UH St. John Medical Center in Westlake since operations began in March 2006, according to the City of Fairview Park.
Why Combine Police And Fire Dispatch
Combining police and fire dispatch in a single facility would place the two operations under one roof.
Westcom currently dispatches for the fire departments of Bay Village, Rocky River, Fairview Park, and North Ridgeville, the outlet reports.
A Regional Pattern Of Shared Services
Consolidating dispatch would extend a long-running Westshore practice of pooling public safety resources. Member cities of the Westshore Council of Governments already share SWAT, Hazmat, Bomb Squad, and Technical Rescue units, along with joint ownership of the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to the City of Bay Village. The council itself dates to 1971, when Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, and Rocky River formed it to coordinate shared municipal services.
Westshore communities have a history of sharing public-safety resources.
What Comes Next
Westlake's City Council Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet on September 28 to further discuss the renovation, per Cleveland.com.
