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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Station Location Study P' r A Fire- Station Location Study for the Village of Rye Brook West Chester �o County Airport �.r t O ti 198 Conducted by: 1 Carroll Buracker& Associates, Inc. Fire, EMS & Police Management Consultants 101 North Main Street, Suite 110 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801 (540) 564-1500 t 1 Village of Port Chester NOTE The use and/or copying of information in this Study without the expressed written consent of Carroll Buracker & Associates, Inc. and the Village of Rye Brook, New York, is expressly prohibited. Carroll Baraeker&As+odat4m Inc. r Y TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Computerized Fire Station Location Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Workload Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Rye Brook Response Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Facilities Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Initial List of Possible Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Site Selection Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Final List of Potential Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Two-Fire-Station Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Single Fire Station Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PROFILE OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Village History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Village Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 WESTCHESTER COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Village of Port Chester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cityof Rye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Town of Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 PREVIOUS STUDY OF FIRE STATION LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1985 Committee Evaluation Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Carron Baracker do Assodates.Inc. t TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page Number 1992 Fire Service Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1996 Rye Brook Fire Department Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 STUDY METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 National Accreditation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 "Criteria 6A: Fixed Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Standards and Accepted Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CHAPTER TWO: PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 COMPUTERIZED FIRE STATION LOCATOR SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NIAXIMi M TOTAL RESPONSE TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ignition to Detection/to Communication -•4otification Communications Notification to fire Department Dispatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fire Company Dispatch Until Apparatus is En route (Turnout Time) . . . . . . . . . 15 Travel Time to the Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Initiate Rendering of Service, E.g. Placing Hose Lines in Service (Set-up Time) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 DATA FROM OTHER COMMUNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 RISK ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 CarroD Bnracker do Amodates,Inc. a TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page Number CHAPTER THREE: COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 WORKLOAD ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 RISK ASSESSMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 FireRisks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 SPECIFIC RISKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Apartments/Condominiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Places of Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Corporate Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Office Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Schools/Educational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Hotels/Motels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Service Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Shopping Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 RYE BROOK DEMOGRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 RESPONSE TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Response Time Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Time Segment Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Communications Center Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Fire Department Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 MUTUALAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 TheConcept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Carroll Baracker do Auoclatm Inc. 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number Benefits of Automatic Mutual Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mutual Aid in Rye Brook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Initial Mutual Aid Dispatch Selections: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Responses in Rye Brook: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Westchester County Mutual Aid Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 COMMUNICATIONS AND DISPATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Rye Brook Communications Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Transition to Westchester County Fire Dispatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 CHAPTER FOUR: FIRE STATION OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 PREVIOUS STATION LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Findings of the 1992 Fire Service Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Fire Router Fire Station Location Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 i THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Initial List of Possible Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Site Selection Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Final List of Potential Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 FIRE STATION FACILITY DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 General Design Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Rye Brook Fire Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Carroll Smacker do A&wdatm Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page Number SIZE AND CONFIGURATION OF SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 TRAFFIC ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Rye Brook Traffic Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Roadways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Traffic Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Motor Vehicle Accident History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Future Road Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 TWO-FIRE-STATION OPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Impact on Response Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Cost Implications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Fire Station Construction Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Operating Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Salaries and Wages Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Conclusion: Two-Fire-Station Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 ONE STATION OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 North Ridge and Betsy Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Responsetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Size and Shape of the Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Response Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Size and Shape of the site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Carron Baracker&A,ssodatm Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS (co._Yint_ed) Page Number Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 King Street North of Village Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Respons.- Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Size and Shape of the Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 King Street Near Hillandale Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Response time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Size of the Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 OVERALL SITE ASSESSMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 RECOMMFNDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 :Z Carroll Buracker&Associates.Inc. TABLE OF FIGURES Page Number CHAPTER THREE: COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME ANALYSIS Figure 3.1 Fire and EMS First Responder Incident Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Figure 3.2 Monthly Average Response Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 CHAPTER FOUR: FIRE STATION OPTIONS Figure 4.1 Fire Station Site Rating Based on Selection Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 :z Carroll Bu acker&Associates,Inc. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Study Team extends genuine appreciation for the assistance and support provided by residents, Village officials, the fire chief, officers and firefighters of the Village for their forthright participation in this assessment of the fire station location needs of the Village of Rye Brook. STUDY METHODOLOGY This Study was developed through a process involving interviews, data collection, research, on-site observation of paid and volunteer tire personnel, meetings, analysis and comparative evaluation with industry standards and experiences of the Study Team in every region of the United States. STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY REPORT The structure of this Study is quite detailed. The Study Team believes that knowledge of state-of-the-art practices and programs in the determination of fire station locations in the United States may assist Rye Brook officials in making decision for the future. While there afe a variety of approaches to the determination of fire station locations for any community, the science of fire. suppression, emergen—y medical service (EMS) and prevention do not vary greatly by region. Combustibies with specific properties burn about the same in any region. The need for arl--qua+P against fire risks, evaluation of response times and assessment of safety issues are universal. This Study, then, is an analysis of the fire station location needs in Rye Brook, including comparisons with industry standards, assessment of fire risks, analysis and projection of response times from various locations and the consideration of traffic, safety and economic issues. This Study contains conclusions and recommendations to assist the Village of Rye Brook in continuing to provide quality fire and rescue service in the future. L. Carroll Bwwker&Associates,Inc. STUDY TEAM MEMBERS This Study was conducted by two public safety consultants. Each of the team members has served as practitioners in local government public safety. Combined, the team members have evaluated more than 80 fire departments to include nearby Larchmont, New York, Greenwich and Stamford. Very brief credentials include: Leslie D. Adams Les Adams served as the lead consultant. As the former Deputy Fire Chief and second in command of the Montgomery County, Maryland Fire and Rescue Department, he has 28 years of fire management experience. He has served as the operations deputy fire chief of a fire department that serves 800,000 residents with 1,490 paid and volunteer firefighters. He has been responsible for all duties of fire services, including facility locations, personnel management, planning and research, apparatus, training, dispatch, administration, operations, emergency medical services, and management of a combined paid and volunteer fire department. Mr. Adams has managed fire operations with 33 fire stations, 818 paid firefighters, 600 volunteer firefighters, 31 engines, 14 trucks, 35 Basic Life Support units, 13 Advanced Life Support units and 120 paramedics. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the Columbia Union College, and has completed course work on a Masters degree in General Administration. He has taught at the National Fire Academy on modern techniques in fire services operations and has been on the faculty of Montgomery Community College teaching Fire Science Administration. Mr. Adams has served as the Chairman of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Personnel Management Committee. Prior to joining the fire service, Mr. Adams was a program management auditor with the United States General Accounting Office. all Ell LuCarroll Bnracker&Associates.Inc. STUDY TEAM MEMBERS (continued) Carroll Buracker Mr. Buracker has served as the corporate project manager for evaluation of more than 80 fire departments of all sizes. A number of fire studies included multiple fire departments. He has provided public safety services to more than 85 cities and counties. Mr. Buracker has 22 years of practical experience in public safety in Fairfax County, Virginia, a community with 850,000 residents. Durinb his career, he worked with fire departments in both operational and administrative areas. He was responsible for the management of a consolidated fire and police dispatch center; project director for installing mobile digital terminals in 900 public safety vehicles, including fire apparatus and ambulances; co-chaired the investigation of the Air Florida crash in the Potomac River relative to fire and police response; and chaired development of a disaster plan for Metropolitan Washington, D.C., that included 16 jurisdictions. He served as the Chief of Police for the Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department, the largest municipal police agency in Virginia. He has been certified as an expert witness in both state and federal courts on public safety matters. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development selected his finr. to evaluate security and safety of public housing resiae nts, to include fire safety, in 13 major U.S. cities. These cities include Chicago, Los Angeles, Oaklar,-I, Boston, Pniladelphia, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Mr. Buracker holds both B.S. and M.S. Degrees from the American University in Washington, D.C. He has authored more than 120 studies in public safety. Carroll Buracker&Associates,Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY e EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overview This Study contains a broad review of the fire station location concepts and approaches. The subjects covered by this analysis include: a review of demographics of the Village of Rye Brook and surrounding communities, previous fire-related studies, fire station location planning generally, risk assessment, response time analysis and a detailed review of fire station location options. The location of fire stations from which fire and rescue service is provided is a key element in the level of fire protection service to be rendered. The decision to locate a new fire station or relocate an existing one has many components other than siting. Included are: • Cost of the facility and equipment • Apparatus • Staffing • Annual operating costs • Public input and support There is no magic formula for determining the location of fire stations in a community. A number of computerized programs can assist in locating optimal sites for fire stations. Computerized Fire Station Location Planning_ Fire station planning for location and design has become increasingly sophisticated and complex. With the use of computer programs and computer model studies, travel-time analysis and fire station site evaluation have assisted municipal officials in identifying sites that meet specific criteria. The Study Team utilized a computer modeling program in conducting this fire station location analysis for Rye Brook. The computerized station locator system is a geo-based nil i Carroll Buracker&Associates,Inc. i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued) planning tool that calculates and displays street network data. The street data resides in tables which include information necessary to perform fire station location studies. Workload Analysis The Rye Brook Fire Department had been in operation for eight months when the Study Team conducted the data gatherinb portion of this Study. During that time period, the Fire Department responded on a total of 568 fire, EMS, hazardous and service call incidents. Risk Assessment The Village of Rye Brook is essentially a "bedroom" community primarily comprised of single-family residential properties. In addition,there are some government, school, church, restaurant, and shopping properties generally found in communities of similar size. The Village of Rye Brook includes properties that are specialized medical facilities, top- rated hotel and conference centers, exclusive clubs and a number of large corporate and executive office centers. Many of these properties are fully sprinklered and protected. Additionally, there are a number of very large, old and historic buildings. Rye Brook Response Time The Rye Brook Fire Department monitors and evaluates its response 'Lime under the terms of the Rural/Metro contract with the Village of Rye Brook. The "response time" evaluated in Rye Brook is actually a combination of turn-out time and travel time. The data maintained by the Fire Department indicates that average response times have consistently been under five minutes. While the Study Team considers this response time to be very good, response time should be measurably improved with the implementation of a permanent, more centrally-located fire station in Rye Brook. In terms of public safety, it is important for the citizeris to understand that response times in police work are not as important as response times for fire and emergency medical services. ii CarroD Baracker&Associates,Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued) Facilities Committee The Village's Facilities Committee was given the responsibility of assisting in the selection of a permanent site for the construction of a new fire station. In early 1995 the Facilities Committee began deliberations in preparation for making recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees on a site for the first permanent fire station. Initial List of Possible Sites The following is the preliminary, unprioritized list of possible fire station location sites developed by the Rye Brook Facilities Committee: 1. Westchester Airport 2. King Street and Anderson Hill Road 3. North Ridge Street and Betsy Brown Road 4. Rye Brook High School garage area 5. Bowman Avenue - Rye City property 6. Crawford Park - North Ridge Street side 7. High Point Hospital 8. King Street and Hillandale Road - former compost site 9. King Street north of the new Village Hall 10. King Street at Comly Avenue 11. King Street on the new Village Hall property 12. North Ridge Street and Rocking Horse Trail 13. North Ridge Street across from Sleepy Hollow Road 14. West William Street as part of the Highway/Recreation Department complex oil nil Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued) Site Selection Criteria The Facilities Committee appears to have thoroughly discussed the fire station site selection criteria to be utilized. With significant community input, the Committee determined that the following six items would serve as the primary criteria for site selection: 1. Response time 2. Topography of the site 3. Size of the site 4. Economics 5. Traffic 6. Safety These criteria are consistent with those typically used in fire station location studies. The Study Team also considered these criteria in developing conclusions and recommendations for the Village of Rye Brook. Final List of Potential Sites The Facilities Committee appears to have carefully reviewed each of the possible sites on the initial list. The Study Team was advised that, based on Committee deliberations, the following sites remain under consideration as pe..-�;`':e sites for a new Rye Brook Fire Station: 1. North Ridge Street and Betsy Brown Road 2. North Ridge Street across from Sleepy Hollow Road 3. King Street north of new Village Hall 4. King Street and Hillandale Road The Study Team was impressed with the compete, professional and open approach taKe-i by the Committee in its work to date. iv CarroD Baracker&Associates,Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued) Two-Fire-Station Option A detailed review of this fire station location option indicates that, unless the staffing of the Rye Brook Fire Department is doubled, projected response times for a two-fire-station option could increase rather than decrease. It appears to the Study Team that, for the following reasons, a two-fire-station option is not justified for the Village of Rye Brook: • Response times would be significantly increased unless the staffing of the Fire Department is doubled, at an estimated additional cost of$320,000 • A single fire station option seems to provide adequate projected response times to all parts of the Village • Fire station facility costs for construction could double for a total of$2.4 million • Operating and maintenance costs could double to a total of$38,000 annually Single Fire Station Option The Study Team assessed each of the four potential fire station sites utilizing the site selection criteria. The following chart includes a numerical rating system of the four sites being considered. Nil oil Carroll Baracker&MsodatM Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued) FIRE STATION SITE RATING BASED ON THE SELECTION CRITERIA ' � 6 -- 'Itul1w 039t RESPONSE TIME 2 1 4 4 SAFETY 1 2 4 4 TOPOGRAPHY 1 1 3 2 SITE SIZE 1 1 4 1 ECONOMICS 4 1 3 3 TRAFFIC 1 2 4 4 SITE RATING 10 8 22 18 Note: In the above rating system, 1 indicates the best and 4 indicates the worst. It appears that the two potential fire station location sites on North Ridge Street (Betsy Brown Road and Sleepy Hollow Road) are significantly better sites than those on King Street. The advantages of the North Ridge Street sites over the King Street sites seem to be: • Projected response time is the lowest, providing improved service to the Village • Located centrally in the geogi at,nie area of the Village • Located on North Ridge Street---r!:c primary north/south traffic corridor • Lowest number of reported traffic accidents • Lowest traffic volumes • Adequate size and configuration of property It should be noted that neither of the North Ridge Street sites is a perfect fire station site. The site at the intersection of Betsy Brown Road would be more costly to construct due to its topography. And, the site just south of the intersection with Sleepy Hollow Road has significant public opposition due to its location near the Ridge Street School; there are resiuent concerns regarding student safety. With the exception ci cost of implementation., vi IL Carroll Baiacker&Associates,Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued) the Betsy Brown Road site seems to be the best of the two sites-located on North Ridat Street. The Study Team suggests that the Village of Rye Brook select one of the two North Ridge Street sites for the construction of its new permanent Fire Station. From either site, the Rye Brook Fire Department should be able to provide improved fire and EMS service through reduced response times; moreover, the Fire Department should be able to continue its high quality fire, EMS and rescue services for Rye Brook's citizens. oil vii CarroH Bnracker&Associates,Inc. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION This Chapter provides a brief overview and profile of the Village or Rye Brook, New York, surrounding municipalities and the County of Westchester. This Chapter also summarizes the methodology for conducting this Fire Station Location Study, previous study of fire station locations and the objectives of this Study. PROFILE OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK Village History The history of the Village of Rye Brook is part of the continuous development of the Town of Rye. Town history, which began in 1640 with land purchased from its Indian inhabitants, is the shared heritage of four communities. Through the years the land was subdivided and sold through several generations. The key names of several proprietors include: Brown (most likely the first), Denham, Will, Kniffin, Wilson, Minuse, Park, Merritt, Studwell, Sherwood, and Satterlee. One by one, the four communities within the Town of Rye voluntarily formed general municipal corporations: Port Chester The first of the areas to incorporate as a Village. Its charter is dated 1868. Mamaroneck Incorporated as a village in 1895 with its eastern section, known as "Rye Neck", in the Town of Rye. 1 Carroll Baracker&Anociatm Inc. YA INTRODUCTION VILLAGE PROFILE, (continued) Rye Village Incorporated in 1904. In 1942 it seceded to become a city, no longer part of the Town of Rye. This action left Rye Neck separated from the rest of the Town. e Bro k As the last remaining unincorporated area of the Town, the Village of Rye Brook was officially incorporated on July 9, 1982. In 1997, three parts constitute the whole Town of Rye: • Village of Port Chester • Rye Neck section of Mamaroneck • Village of Rye Brook Village Government The Village of Rye Brook is governed by a Mayor and four Trustees who appoint the Village Administrator. The Village Administrator is the chief administrative officer for the Village Board and supervises all Village operation., dirough the department head, and, in other cases, as prescribed by law. The Village of Rye Brook operates under the following New York State laws: • New York Constitution, Article IX (the Home Rule Article) • Village Law • General Municipal Law 2 Carroll Bmacker&Associates,Inc. INTRODUCTION VILLAGE PROFILE (continued) • Local Finance Law • Statute of Local Governments. WESTCHESTER COUNTY Westchester County is located just North of New York City and is bounded on the West by the Hudson River, on the North by Putnam County and on the East by Long Island Sound and the State of Connecticut. Comprised of 450 square miles with a population of more than 875,000 (1989 estimate) Westchester County includes 6 cities, 14 towns and 23 villages. On a historical note, when New York counties were created in 1683, "Westchester" signified the first British encampment west of Connecticut. In addition, the first invasion of the American mainland in the Revolutionary War took place in Pelham on October 18, 1776. According to an article in the June 1992 issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine, Westchester County is "one of the nation's most impressive concentrations of Fortune 500 headquarters. The county's towns, once no more than bedroom communities, have turned into boardroom citadels." Westchester County includes 40 school districts and 23 institutions of higher learning. The County has a fiscal rating of "AAA" according to Moody's, Standard and Poor's and Fitch. Under the Westchester County Charter, government powers are divided into Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Executive Branch is headed by an elected County Executive. The Legislative Branch is comprised of a Board of Legislators, consisting of 17 individuals 3 Carroll Baracker&Associates.Inc. INTRODUCTION WESTCHESTER COUNTY (continued) representing districts of approximately equal population. The judicial system in Westchester is part of a unified State court system established in 1962. In Westchester County, municipalities provide the customary local municipal services, such as water supply, sewers and paved streets, as well as fire and police protection. All local governments have the power to assess and levy taxes on real property. Cities have additional taxation powers. In addition, all municipalities have their own planning and zoning boards which determine the municipal zoning codes and master plan for their community. A substantial number of Fortune 500 corporations have located their headquarters in Westchester County. Westchester County provides many county-wide support type services in coordination with the municipal services. For example, the County provides training, communications and dispatching, as well as a hazardous materials response team for the fire and EMS services. ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES The following provides a brief narrativ- description of the key municipalities surrounding the Village of Rye Brook. Village of Port Chester The Village of Port Chester is located east of the Village of Rye Brook. It is also bordered by the State of Connecticut, the Long Island Sound and the City of Rye. The Village of Port Chester has an area of 2.4 square miles and includes a population of approximately 22,969. 4 Carroll Bnracker do Amociatea.Inc. INTRODUCTION ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES (continued) Port Chester has many very old and historic buildings. The village has been experiencing a building conversion of vacant factory buildings to condominiums and offices. The downtown Main Street shopping area includes 120 stores and a number of specialty restaurants. City of RRye The City of Rye, located South of the Village of Rye Brook, is bordered by the Village of Port Chester, the Town of Mamaroneck and the Long Island Sound. The City of Rye is comprised of an area of 5.75 square miles and a population of 14,997. It is one of the Long Island Sound communities and as such has reserved part of its waterfront for parks and wetland preserves. Most of the housing is single-family luxury houses, much in the $1 million and above range. Town of Harrison The Town of Harrison, located West of the Village of Rye Brook, is bordered by the City of White Plains and the Town of North Castle. The Town of Harrison covers a geographic area of 17.5 square miles and includes a population of approximately 19,570. Harrison is a diverse community with houses ranging from large estates in the Purchase area to one- and two-family dwellings on small plots of land in the West Harrison - Silver Lake area. There are also high-rise and garden apartment buildings, as well as condominiums. Harrison also includes five country clubs, several large corporation facilities and the academic campuses of Manhattanville College and SUNY Purchase. 5 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. INTRODUCTION PREVIOLS STUDY OF FIRE STATION LOCATIONS There have been two previous fire-related studies conducted for the Village of Rye Brook that have addressed fire station location. 1985 Committee Evaluation Study In 1985, the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook commissioned a five-member committee to evaluate the current fire services and the possibilities of the Village forming its own fire district. As stated in the resulting report the committee: • Evaluated the current position and the cost of "renting" services (fire protection) from Port Chester, and • Studied the possibility of the Village of Rye Brook forming its own fire district. That committee held interviews and meetings with appropriate personnel, obtained data and performed research in the above areas. As a result, the report issued by the committee contained four primary recommendations, including the following recommendation related to fire station location: 3) Construct a fire station o facilitate response time to Rye Brook. 1992 Fire Service Evaluation The primary purpose of the 1992 Fire Service Evaluation was to assess the feasibility of alternatives to the fire service delivery approach in place for Rye Brook at that time. The 1992 Study provided a detailed analysis of the fire protection service provided at that time and presented a number of comprehensive alternatives for consideration by the Village of Rye Brook. 6 Carroll Bnracker&Amodatm Inc. INTRODUCTION PREVIOUS STUDIES (continued) The 1992 Fire Service Evaluation Study included a thorough review of fire station locations and outlined options considered appropriate for consideration by the Village of Rye Brook. Regarding the location of a fire station in the Village, the Study included the following recommendations: "V.4 If the Village of Rye Brook implements the Rye Brook Fire Station option, the station should be constructed near Betsy Brown Road and North Ridge, or on the property owned by Rye Brook on King Street, north of Hillandale Road..." 1996 Rye Brook Fire Department Assessment In January and February, 1996, a Review of the Rural/Metro Corporation Fire Services provided to the Village of Rye Brook was conducted. Although not focused on fire station location siting, this Study referenced the status of the Village of Rye Brook's consideration of fire station location options, reviewed a computerized analysis of fire station site options conducted for Rural Metro and stated: 'The Village of Rye Brook has been planning for the construction of a new fire station facility on a site,yet to be selected, optimally within a quarter mile of the intersection of Meadowlark Road and Ridge Street" STUDY METHODOLOGY In conducting this fire station location Study for Rye Brook, the Study Team utilized a proven and consistent approach to conduct and complete fire department analysis. This methodology incorporated eight (8) distinct but interrelated phases: data collection; interviews with key individuals; on-site observation; analysis of data; comparative analysis (which included the computerized fire station location analysis); alternatives and recommendations; submission of a written Study and an oral briefing. 7 Carroll Baracker&Associatm Inc. INTRODUCTION STUDY METHODOLOGY (continued) - In addition, the following Study gtii�Jes were applied. National Accreditation Program The Study Team utilized a modern industry-based framework for this analysis. The framework for this analysis incorporated the model developed by the Accreditation Committee of the International Association of lire Chiefs (IAFC), a program of accreditation for and by fire services. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)has previously developed a police department accreditation process for use by police departments. The IAFC has had a committee developing a similar analysis model for fire department use on a voluntary basis. Employing this model in Rye Brook provides the reader with information on the state-of-the-art practices in the fire service. The analysis categories included in this model and used as a general guide were: 1. Governance and Administration, 2. Community Assessment, 3. Goals and Objectives, 4. Programs, 5. Physical Resources, 6. Human Resources, 7. Training and Competency, 8. Essential Resources, and, 10. External Systems Relations. Within each of these categories, there are criteria and considerations that were weighed by the Study Team in conducting this analysis. As a point of information, each of the categories for the developing IAFC fire/EMS modei has been independently tested in several communities. 8 Carroll Bnracker do AwodatM Inc INTRODUCTION STUDY METHODOLOGY (continued), This accreditation model may be utilized on a voluntary basis to analyze an entire fire and EMS agency or group of agencies or for the assessment of one or more specific fire service program areas---such as the assessment of physical facility resources, including fire stations. The fixed facility categories and criteria included in the IAFC's fire service accreditation program and considered by the Study Team are as follows: "Criteria 6A: Fixed Facilities Fixed facility resources are designed, maintained, managed and adequate to meet the agency's goals and objectives. Performance Indicators 6A.1 Space allocations are adequate and appropriate for the agency functions served, i.e., operations, fire prevention, training, support services, special services and administration. 6A.2 Buildings and grounds are clean and in good repair. Maintenance is conducted in a systematic and planned fashion. Plant operation and maintenance is adequately staffed and supported. 6A.3 There is demonstrated concern for safety, access, security and energy conservation in all facilities. 6A.4 Phvsical facilities are well planned, adequate and properly distributed in accordance with standards of coverage or other service level statements and well maintained. 6A.5 Facilities are substantially in compliance with Health and Safety Standards". 9 Carron Baracker&Aaaodatm Inc. INTRODUCTION STUDY METHODOLOGY (continued) Standards and Accepted Practices The Study Team utilized published fire protection standards and information on accepted principles and practices for the operations and management of fire services as background and guidelines for the conduct of this Fire Station Lo�,ation Study. The following are several of the key organizations with standards and publications that were utilized as part of this Study: • National Fire Protection Association • Insurance Service Office (ISO) Commercial Risk Services, Inc. • International Association of Fire Chiefs • International Association of Fire Fighters • International City Management Association The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), located in Boston,Massachusetts, follows a nationally recognized process for the establishment of many standards that are applicable to fire protection operations and administration. In r.-iaiiy jurisdictions, some of the NFPA standards have been adopted and fully implemented while other NFPA standards are utilized as general guidelines for pursuing further improvemciit in safety and services. NFPA standards and other written standards and nationally recognized documents, such as the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook(Seventeenth Edition),were utilized by the Study Team as reference materials for this Study. 10 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY The objectives of this Study as outlined in the scope of services were to build on previous fire station location study work: 1. Provide an updated fire risk and hazard assessment 2. Identify the location of current fire stations providing fire protection to the Village 3. Review relevant response times 4. Consider the Village road network 5. Assess emergency response patterns 6. Consider Rye Brook Fire Department resources 11 Carroll Bnracker&Amodatm Inc. CHAPTER TWO PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS CHAPTER TWO PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS This Chapter reviews general concepts for fire station location planning and an overview of the Study Team's approach in developing fire station location recommendations for the Village of Rye Brook. OVERVIEW The location of the fire stations from which the fire and rescue service is provided is a key element in the level of fire protection service that is provided. The decision to locate a new fire station or relocate an existing one has many components other than its siting. These include: • Cost of the facility and equipment • Apparatus • Staffing • Annual operating costs • Public reaction and support There is no magic formula for determining the location of fire stations in a community. While computerized programs can assist officials in these important decisions, the final determinations require-human based consideration of many factors. COMPUTERIZED FIRE STATION LOCATOR SYSTEM Emmanuel Mesagna and John Baroni in a chapter they authored in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook entitled "Fire Department Facilities and Fire Training Facilities," they note: "Over the past decade, fire station planning for location and design has become increasingly sophisticated and complex. With the use of computer programs and computer model studies, travel-time analysis and fire station site evaluation has allowed the fire service to become more precise in its decision-making procedures." 12 Carroll Buacker&Amodatm Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS COMPUTERIZED FIRE STATION LOCATOR SYSTEM (continued) The Study Team utilized such a computer model the Village of Rye Brook for purposes of conducting this fire station location analysis. This Section describes the methods. The computerized station locator system is a geo-based planning tool that calculates and displays street network data. The street data resides in tables which include all the information necessary to perform fire station location studies. This street data is the same type of data base used in the many computer aided dispatch systems used daily for the dispatch of police, fire and EMS units in a number of progressive municipalities in the United States. The latitude/longitude coordinate system used is accurate to one millionth of a degree. Fire stations and other points of interest are added to the data base and placed on the computer screen map by simply entering an address or pointing to a location on the map. This system calculates all travel possibilities to each fire station and every street block in the municipality. It also considers the number and type of apparatus in the fire station and calculates the travel time for the first, second and third arriving fire apparatus. Using this computer program, a travel time analysis was conducted that involved every street in the Village of Rye Brook. Average travel time, total miles of roadway, average travel speed and "first in" response areas were developed for each current fire station with color maps illustrating those areas. In addition, fire station location alternatives were modeled. Where appropriate, data and maps developed as part of this modeling analysis have been included to support the conclusions and recommendations of the Study Team. It should be noted that all response area maps and charts generated by this program were based on travel time as projected by the computer program. The travel time calculated by the program are based on the following: • An estimated 45 seconds for turn-out time for each of the stations • A 15 second intersection turn delay for each intersection in the response path 13 Carroll Bnracker&Amodatm Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS MAXIMUM TOTAL RESPONSE TIME (continued) • Street segment speeds are set from 25 to 55 miles per hour, in 5-mile-per-hour increments. For example, interstate and other limited access highways are set at 55 miles per hour, while a street segment 300 feet long would be set at 25 miles per hour. Based on these criteria,the computer program calculated response paths from the fire station sites entered in the computer to every street location. The program then projected each fire station location option's response area and calculated average apparatus travel time, average travel speed and total miles of streets in each fire station option area. MAXIMUM TOTAL RESPONSE TIME The first decision in determining a fire station location for fire-related services is the maximum total response time which would be acceptable. One of the key factors is the time from ignition to flashover (simultaneous ignition of all combustibles), at which time the spread of the fire will increase dramatically. The Study Team's experience, supported by various studies, has shown that the time from ignition to flash over in a structural fire will vary from six to nine minutes. In order to arrive on the scene within this time frame, the following time factors need to be taken into consideration: 1. Ignition to detection/to communication notification 2. Communications notification to fire company dispatch 3. Fire department dispatch until apparatus is en route 4. Travel time to the scene 5. Initiate rendering of service, e.g. placing hose lines in service 14 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS MAXIMUM TOTAL RESPONSE TIME (continuc,t.l A description of these five factors follows: Ignition to Detection/to Communication Notification There have been great strides made in reducing the ignition to detection phase fires. Inexpensive smoke detectors,heat detectors, monitored alarm systems and sprinkler systems have been installed in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. This time factor can be reduced if the automatic suppression and detection system simultaneously notify the occupants and the communications center. This time factor can be significantly controlled by changing the local codes to require detection devices in all residential, commercial and industrial buildings, with automatic notifications in those facilities with large life or property loss potential. Communications Notification to Fire Department Dispatch The internal dispatch center processing time of a call for assistance is dependent upon the call load, the level of expertise of the communications operators and the type of communications equipment. Processing time of less thail 60 seconds is the ideal and should be the goal of fire departments. Fire Company Dispatch Until Apparatus is En route (Turnout Time) Once a notification is received in a fire station, personnel must stop their activity, note the location and nature of the call (in some cases respond to the station), board the apparatus, don any protective clothing, open the doors, start the apparatus and exit the station. These factors are fairly stable and only small amounts of time can be saved by automating the door opening process with the station alert and placing information on the nature and location of the call on computer terminals in the vehicle. 15 Carroll Bnracker&As.+odates,Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS MAXIMUM TOTAL RESPONSE TIME (continued) Travel Time to the Scene Travel time generally requires the most time. It is dependent upon: 1. Fire station location 2. Weather factors 3. Road conditions 4. Traffic conditions 5. Training of personnel Response time may be lessened as a result of installation of traffic control preemption devices. Initiate Rendering of Service. E.g. Placing Hose Lines in Service (Set-up Time) Upon arrival on the scene, water supply must be established, self contained breathing apparatus donned, and attack hose lines stretched to the location of the fire. The effectiveness of the company's operation on the fire ground is dependent upon, among other things, the level of training and the physical condition of the personnel and the number of personnel arriving at the scene. Fire fighting personnel then enter the structure, approach the fire, and initiate fire suppression activities while at the same time performing search and rescue activities, as necessary. The amount of time required for set-up can vary significantly from one incident to another. For purposes of this analysis, a two-minute set-up time after arrival on the scene was the goal. 16 16 Carroll Smacker&Associates,Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS DATA FROM OTHER COMM UN 1LS? The establishment of response times for a specific community depends upon the geography, demographics, and distribution of commercial, industrial and residential property. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has e�,ablished criteria which state that a pumper should be located as follows: • 2 miles of residential property • 1-1/2 miles of commercial areas • 1 mile of major industrial development which would require a flow of water of 5,000 gallons per minute or more While these are very conservative estimates, the problem with using mileage alone is that weather and road conditions are not taken into account. Another way of approaching this issue is to define five levels of risk and then assign a response time requirement to each risk, zaLber tha1l use just straight mileage response. These risks can be defined as follows: :. Highest - Refineries, large industry, hospitals, school dorniitori,,�s, lumber yards, and propane storage facilities without built-in suppression or detection systems 2. High - High rise hotels and residential. large shopping center, and industrial 3. Medium - Commercial and industrial facilities with sprinkler systems, small shopping center, and high density low rise residential 4. Low- Single family dwellings with a separation of at least 100 feet between buildings 17 Carroll Baracker&Associates.Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS DATA FROM OTHER COMMUNITIES (continued) 5. Minimum - Wide separation of single family dwellings and farm land In the International City Management Association's (ICMA) study on FIRE STATION LOCATION ANALYSIS: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH, the following data on the response time requirements of some municipalities were provided in an article by Susan B. Benton and Neal B. Carpenter entitled, "A Computerized Approach to Fire Station Location." While these are large municipalities, the data can be useful indicators. CitV Risk Category Minutes San Antonio, TX 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 6.0 Salt Lake City, UT 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 6.0 Lynchburg. VA 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 Memphis, TN 2.3 2.7 3.3 4.3 5.8 Davenport, IA 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 RISK ANALYSIS The time from ignition until water is applied to a fire should be no longer than the six to nine minutes it takes for flashover to occur with a free-burning fire. Again, flashover is defined as essentially the instant burning of an explosive mixture of heated air, smoke and gases which flashes back through openings around the fire area, such as doors and windows. 18 Carroll Baracker do Associates,Inc. PLANNING FIRE STATION LOCATIONS RISK ANALYSIS (continued) This does not consider a smoldering fire which can burn for hours before breaking out into the free burning stage. Flashover is a critical stage of fire growth for two reasons. First, no living thing in the room of origin will survive, so the chances of saving lives drops dramatically. Second, flashover creates a quantum jump in the rate of combustion, and a significantly greater amount of water is needed to reduce the burning material below its ignition temperature. A fire that has reached flashover means it is generally too late to save anyone in the room of origin, and substantially more staffing is required to handle the larger hose streams needed to extinguish the fire. A post-flashover fire burns hotter and moves faster, compounding the search and rescue problems in the remainder of the structure at the same time that more firefighters are needed for fire attack. For these reasons, it is critical that fire suppression forces reach a fire structure and initiate effective suppression efforts prior to flashover. Measurements of a number of the response parameters which have been outlined are not possible because these data are not collected and/or available to the Rye Brook fire department. Detailed response time data should become readily available to the Village and its Fir: Department officials once the transition to Westchester County fire dispatch is completed. The computer aided dispatch system utilized by County dispatch documents a number of response time components not currently available to the Village of Rye Brook. Therefore, at this time, reliance must be made on average response time based on travel time calculations. It must be kept short enough to ensure that the total average time does not exceed the six-to-nine-minute flashover requirement. carmu smacker&A&wdatm Inc. 19 CHAPTER THREE COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME ANALYSIS CHAPTER THREE COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME ANALYSIS This Chapter provides Rye Brook Fire Department workload and risk assessment information, including a listing of a number of the primary risks considered by the Study Team. Additionally, response time is discussed and relevant aspects of mutual and communications and dispatch are outlined. WORKLOAD ANALYSIS The Rye Brook Fire Department had been in operation for eight months when the Study Team conducted the data collection phase of this Study. For that time period the Figure 3.1 provides incident response data for that period. Figure 3.1 FIRE AND EMS FIRST RESPONDER INCIDENT RESPONSE Rye Brook Fire Department - February through October 1996 MONTH FIRE EMS HAZARDOUS CALLS February 32 34 0 7 73 March 37 23 2 6 68 April 16 41 1 12 70 May 22 29 2 6 59 June 32 33 _ 7 July 29 37 6 8 80 August 22 32 3 4 61 September 30 45 7 2 84 TOTAL 220 274 24 50 -;68 Source: Rye Brook Fire Department 20 CarroII Baracker do Aasociatm Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RISK ASSESSMENT This Section outlines the fire and emergency medical risks associated with the provision of fire and emergency medical first responder services by the Rye Brook Fire Department. Fire Risks The fire risks within the Rye Brook are similar those found in many communities of similar size and nature. The Village of Rye Brook is essentially a "bedroom" community, primarily comprised of single-family residential properties. In addition, there are some government, school, church, restaurant, and shopping properties generally found in communities of similar size. A number of notable properties include: • Atrium Associates • Board of Education • Bowman Plaza • Blind Brook Club • Consolidated Edison Company • High Point Hospital • King Street Home • KSB Arrowood complex (Has a substantial number of guests 24 hours a day) • Phillip Morris (Has a substantial number of employees during the day) • Royal Executive Park (Has a 6ubstantial number of employees during the day) • Rye Town Hilton Hotel (Has substantial number of guests 24 hours a day) • United Cerebral Palsy Association facilities • Westchester County Airport The Village of Rye Brook includes properties that are specialized medical facilities, top- rated hotel and conference centers, exclusive clubs and a number of large corporate and executive office centers. These are expensive,upscale properties with nationally-recognized occupants, who are leaders in the corporate business community. 21 Carroll Bm9cker&Amociahs,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RISK ASSESSMENT (continued) Many of the properties in the Village of Rye Brook are fully sprinklered and protected. On the other hand,there are a number of buildings that are very large, old and historic in nature. SPECIFIC RISKS The following is a summary of a number of the specific primary risks reviewed by the Study Team. Relevant available data regarding each property or complex is outlined. Apartments/Condominiums The Arbors North King Street 250 Single/multi-family residential units 2, 4, & 6 units attached into buildings Population - Day 75 Night 200 - 750 Avon Condominiums North Ridge Street 146 Single/Multi-family residential units 8,12, & 16 units attached into buildings Brookridge Court Condominiums Brookridge Court & South Ridge Street 46 Single/multi-family residential units 2, 4, & 6 units attached into buildings 22 Carroll Baracker&Assodates,Inc. i . RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continued) Bowman Senior Housing Bowman Street 20 Senior residential units 4, 6 units attached into buildings Doral Greens (a) Arrowwood Anderson Hill Rd 142 Single/multi-family residential units 2, 4, & 6 units attached into buildings Places of Assembly Anthony J. PosilliPo Community Center 32 Garibaldi Place One story structure 5,200 sq/ft Saint Paul's Church 761 King Street One story structure 23,000 sq/ft Blind Brook Country Club Anderson Hill Rd Carroll smacker&Associates,Inc. 23 RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continued) Building 1 Building 2 Main Club and Restaurant Greenskeeper/Maintenance Multi-story structure Single story structure 1,500 sq/ft Crawford Park Mansion North Ridge Street Three story structure 9,000 sq/ft Corporate Headquarters Phillip Morris 800 Westchester Ave Building 1 Building 2 Eight story structure Two story structure Three (3) stories of parking 60,000 sq/ft 400,000 sq/ft Three plus (3+) stories of office space 660,000 sq/ft Office Buildings Roval Executive Park 1100 King Street (1-6 International Drive) Six (6) - Three (3) story structures 90,000sq/ft per structure 24 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continued) The Atrium (IBM) 900 King Street One (1) - Two (2) story structure 163,000 sq/ft Boces - Board of Cooperative Educational Services) Berkley Dr One (1) - Three (3) story structure 16,000 sq/ft Ridge Bowman Building 90 South Ridge Street One (1) - Two (2) story structure 34,500 sq/ft Rye Ridge Professional Building South Ridge Street Two story structure 72,000 sq/ft Larizza Office Building 211 South Ridge Street Three story structure 10,000 sq/ft 25 Carm f Ba=cker&Amodatea.Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continued) Schools/Educational Blind Brook High School King Street Building 1 Building 2 School Maintenance Facility Two (2) story Single Story 76,000 sq/ft 5,000 sq/ft Ridge Street Country School North Ridge Street One (1) -Single story structure w/basement 2,600 sq/ft Ridge Street Elementary School North Ridge Street Building 1 Building 2 School & Administrative Offices Maintenance Facility Two story structure Single story structure 100,000 sq/ft 500 sq/ft Port Chester Middle School & Administrative Offices Bowman Ave One (1) - Two (2) story structure 150,000 sq/ft Pq Lip% Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continue;i Port Chester High School Tamarack Dr Three story structure 150,000 sq/ft United Cerebral Palsy North King Street Building 1 Building 2 Administrative Offices Educational Classrooms Three story structure Single story structure 5,200 sq/ft 40,200 sq/ft Hotels/Motels Arrowwood Conference Center Anderson Hill Rd Building 1 Building 2 Conference Center Maimeilance Facility Multi-story structure Single story structure 325,000 sq/ft 8,20v sq/ft Building 3 Golf Shop Single story structure 2,000 sq/ft Rye Town Hilton 699 Westchester Ave Carroll Baracker&Assodates,Inc. 27 RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continued) Multi-story Two to four story structure 257,000 sq/ft Service Facilities Ridge Service Station (Exxon) 99 South Ridge Street Single story structure 2,500 sq/ft Rye Center Service (Mobil) 101 South Ridge Street Single story structure 2,500 sq/ft Population - Day 1 - 15 Night Unoccupied Rye Brook Highway Garage 511 West William Street Single story structure 26,000 sq/ft Shopping Centers Rye Ridge Shoppin Center enter South Ridge Street 28 CarroU Bnracker&Anoclatm Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC PJSKS (continued) Multi-story structure 80,000 sq/ft Rye Ridge South Shopping Center 200 South Ridge Street Two story structure 28,000 sq/ft Washington Park Plaza Shopping Center South Ridge Street Building 1 Building 2 Retail Shops Bank One story structure One story structure 50,000 sq/ft 1,000 sq/ft Health Care King Street Nursing Home 787 King Street Multi-story structure 60,000 sq/ft Hi,ghnoint Hospital - Planned to be demolished North King Street 145 Acres Four structures 29 Carroll suracker&Associates.Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME SPECIFIC RISKS (continued) Hospital - 17,000 sq/ft Classrooms - 14,000 sq/ft Residence - 1,200 sq/ft Offices - 1,000 sq/ft When demolished, a new Highpoint Community is planned for this site that would include: 450 Single family homes Senior extended care facility 20 Multi-family residential units The Village of Rye Brook is well-established and, in terms of the nature of development, is not expected to change significantly in the foreseeable future. Additional single family and condominium, duplex and townhouse residential and corporate construction is expected in a few locations, including the old High Point Hospital and Red Roof Inn sites. RYE BROOK DEMOGRAPHICS The population of the Village of Rye Brook grew significantly in early years but has leveled out as shown below: 1950 2,661 1960 6,069 1970 9,560 1980 7,996 1990 7,765 Carroll Baracker&Msodatm Inc. 30 RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME DEMOGRAPHICS (continued) 2000 8,400 (estimated by Westchester County) 2010 8,300 (estimated by Westchester County) Some pertinent population and housing information for the Village of Rye Brook as outlined in the 1990 Census of Population and Housing produced by the U. S. Bureau of the Census is as follows: • The median age of the population is 40 • The sex and race composition of the population is: Male - 3,633 Female - 4,132 White - 7,249 Black - 117 Asian - 297 • The number of households is 2,734 • The number of persons per household is 2.78 • The number of housing units is 2,835 with the mean number of rooms per housing unit being 6.9 • The median value of the housing units is $368,600 31 CarroD Bnracker&Amoclates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RESPONSE TIME (continued) • There are only 412 total rental type housing units • There are 2,219 persons per square mile RESPONSE TIME The availability of detailed response time data is an essential part of the process of analyzing the adequacy of the service. A reduction in actual response times to emergency incidents is a measurable improvement in the service being delivered. For that reason, assessment of response time is not only an essential component of fire station location determination, it is an important ongoing function of fire department management and operations. Response Time Components Complete verified comparative response time data are not available at the national level. In addition, terms used to define the various time segments of response time vary among fire departments. One of the key elements of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) fire department National Fire Service Accreditation Project is response time analysis. In fact one of the anticipated goals of this IAFC Project is to establish valid national response time data for use by all fire departments. For response time data to be available for comparison and service level evaluation purposes, consistent terminology must be used and detailed accurate response time data must be maintained and summarized. This Section provides definitions for the various components of response time. These definitions are those being used by the IAFC Accreditation Project. For ease and accuracy of comparison of data from other fire departments, the Study Team considered it beneficial to outline nationally-accepted definitions in this Master Plan. 32 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RESPONSE TIME (continued) Notification of Event - Notification of Event is the point in time when the first electrical impulse or indicator that can be identified and recorded by the public safety agency occurs. Alarm Processing and Dispatch- The period of time required for the Communications Center to identify that an emergency is in progress, collect pertinent information to dispatch and to assess the methodology used by the agency to deploy resources. Turnout Time - The period of time for on-duty emergency system personnel to discontinue their present activity, properly attire themselves and board the vehicle. This includes the elapsed time between being notified that an emergency is in progress and the vehicle beginning to respond to the identified location. Travel Time - The period of time between the apparatus wheels beginning their uninterrupted response to the incident and the actual time that the emergency vehicle arrives at the address or location to which it was dispatched. Travel time includes driving distance, delays caused by misinformation in the dispatch, traffic obstruction, and geographic obstacles. Travel time ends when the vehicle is declared on-scene by the first arriving unit. On-Scene Time - The point in time that the firs* arriving responding emergency vehicle or responsible command officer arrives at the scene of an emergency and who can begin to take immediate action or take command of the rest of the response. Initiation of Action - The period of time of actual involvement by the individual crew members or companies in the reduction of the state of emergency at the scene. This period of time does not end until such time as the fire officer or other individual with jurisdiction, determines that the organized fire unit can be placed back in service and/or respond to an additional emergency. 33 Carron Barwker&Amodatm Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RESPONSE TIME (continued) Termination of Incident - The point in time when an emergency incident is declared terminated, and all deployed agency resources are available for another assignment. Time Segment Responsibility The responsibility for the various components of response time in Rye Brook and other communities is shared between the dispatch function and the fire department. The components shared by each of these agencies are as follows: Communications Center Responsibility 1. Event occurs and continues until detected by human, electronic or mechanical means. 2. Emergency communications center receives notification of event. 3. Call taker qualifies the call. Must determine type of incident, extent of event, location of event, and other pertinent information. 4. Call taker enters data and reviews. Transfers incident to dispatcher.* 5. Information reviewed, response sequence reviewed and dispatch made. 6. Dispatch information received in fire station or on the fire apparatus. * Note: This segment of the communications center processing time may vary in smaller, less complex centers. In those centers, the call is not transferred to the dispatcher. The call taker serves in a dual role also as a dispatcher, and therefore,just dispatches the call. 34 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RESPONSE TIME (continued) Fire Department Responsibility 1. Turnout time: Personnel move to apparatus, don protective clothing, get on apparatus and advise the communications center the unit is responding. 2. Travel time. 3. On scene time. 4. Set-up time. This listing of responsibilities is outlined to point out that the Rye Brook emergency communications function should participate in the review and analysis of its response time responsibilities so as to reduce its processing time and reduction of any errors. Rye Brook Response Time The Rye Brook Fire Department monitors and evaluates its response time under the terms of the Rural/Metro contract with the Village of Rye Brook. Trie data maintained by the r ire Department indicates that the average response tirr.�: has consistently been under five minutes. figure 3.2 provides the respoii— tirne data for the Fire Department for the first eight months of operations. 35 Carroll Bnracker do Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RESPONSE TIME (continued) Figure 3.2 MONTHLY AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME Rye Brook Fire Department - February through September 1996 i MONTH AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME FEBRUARY 4:33 NLkRCH 4:05 APRIL 4:00 MAY 4:11 JUKE 4:19 JULY 4:30 AUGUST 4:34 SEPTEMBER 3:40 AVERAGE 4:17 Source: Rye Brook Fire Department There are a number of factors that directly affect fire department response times. The primary influencing factors include: • Size of service area • Location of fire station in service area • Street layout • Vehicle traffic • Apparatus staffing approach 36 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME RESPONSE TIME (continued) Given the location of the Rye Brook Fire Station in the lower end of the Village, significant reduction in average response time should result from the relocation of the Fire Station to a more central location in the Village. MUTUAL AID This Section provides and updated review of fire department mutual aid conceptually and its use by the Rye Brook Fire Department and other fire departments located in Westchester County. "Mutual aid" as discussed in this Section refers to the response of fire and rescue apparatus across jurisdictional or municipal boundaries. The effective use of mutual aid apparatus response has become a successful means for the level of fire protection service in participating jurisdictions to be improved without increased financial commitments. During a time when many municipalities are continuing to deal with severe fiscal constraints, the implementation of mutual aid---particularly automatic mutual aid---has become an accepted national trend. The NFPA Fire Protection Handbook states the tollowing regarding the implementation of mutuai aid- "Every fire department today should have mutuai-aid or automatic-aid contracts with adjoining departments. These reciprocal agreements provide communities with the ability to share their personnel and equipment to provide sufficient resources to handle major emergencies in a timely and cost-effective manner." The Concept Mutual aid is the means by which one fire department or group of fire departments assists another either upon request on an incident-by-incident basis, or on an automatic basis from 37 Carroll Smacker&Ammdate%Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME MUTUAL AID (continued) the point of initial dispatch. It is virtually impossible for any local government to staff and equip its fire services to handle every potential major incident. This is especially true for smaller municipalities. The cost would be prohibitive and is entirely unrealistic, especially considering fiscal constraints facing local jurisdictions today. As a result, it is very common for fire departments to implement mutual aid agreements with the surrounding jurisdictions; and, as a result, personnel and equipment are dispatched on certain types of major incidents. There are two types of mutual aid response approaches. One type of mutual aid is referred to as "special request" mutual aid and involves a request made, either by the incident commander or the emergency communications center. The second type of mutual aid is "automatic" mutual aid that involves a request for mutual aid being made by the emergency communications center under established protocols when the apparatus resources of the requesting municipality reach such a low level that assistance is clearly needed for station fill-in or a incident response. Benefits of Automatic Mutual Aid Improved fire protection service to the public can be attained in the following ways through the use of automatic mutual aid on incidents where mutual aid companies are closer: • More timely availability of apparatus on the scene of incidents • Improved firefighter safety as a result of the reduced time necessary for mutual aid units to arrive on the scene to provided needed assistance on the incident • Decreased response times. 38 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME MU T UAL AID (continued) Mutual Aid in Rye Brook The mutual aid procedures followed by the Rye Brook Fire Department for the Village of Rye Brook are in compliance with the Westchester County mutual aid program and agreement. Specifically, the Rye Brook Fire Department initial mutual aid selections and responses into Rye Brook for mutual aid are as follows: Initial Mutual Aid Dispatch Selections: Initial Mutual Aid Dispatch Selections: Engines Trucks Special l. Port Chester Port Chester Air: R-4 or CD-446 2. Purchase Purchase Rescue: R-40 Port Chester R-30 3. Harrison Harrison Lights: Harrison Utility 4. Armonk White Plains 5. White Plains Wcst Hanison Responses in Rye Brook: Full Assignment: Scene Relo Stby E:T:R E:T:R E:T E-220; L-66; Pail on Call Reserves; Office 1:1:0 0:0:0 0:0 1 st Alarm: E-221; All Call for Paid On-Call Reserves 2:1:0 1:0:0 0:0 Relocate M/A Engine to Rye Brook Request Rye-Port Chester VAC to Scene 16 39 Carroll Bu acker&Amodates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME MUTUAL AID (continued) Scene Relo Stby E:T:R E:T:R E:T 2nd Alarm: 4:1:0 1:0:0 0:1 Relocated M/A Engine to Scene Additional M/A Engine to Scene-to Staged location: FAST Team Relocate additional M/A Engine to Rye Brook Place NVA Truck (Specify TL, Tiller, Straight Ladder) on stand-by for Rye Brook from their quarters 3rd Alarm: 5:2:1 1:0:0 0:1 Relocated M/A Engine to Scene M/A Ladder on stand-by to Scene M/A Rescue to Scene-FAST Team Relocate additional M/A Engine to Rye Brook Place M/A Truck (Specify TL, Tiller, Straight Ladder) on stand-by for Rye Brook from their quarters. Westchester County Mutual Aid Approach During the 1992 Fire Service Evaluation for the Village of Rye Brook, the Study Team was advised that the fire departments surrounding the Village of Rye Brook use mutual aid from other neighboring fire departments only upon special request from the officer in charge. The Study Team was also advised that the area fire departments rarely request mutual aid assistance from each other. When used, the procedure used for a mutual aid generally is as follows: • The emergency call is received and units are dispatched 40 Carroll Bnracker do Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME MUTUAL AID (continued) • The senior fire department official arrives on the scene and determines that additional assistance through mutual aid is necessary • The senior officer contacts his dispatcher and requests mutual aid • The requesting department's dispatcher contacts the dispatcher for the department to provide mutual aid to request assistance • The senior officer of the fire department to whom the mutual aid request was made is contacted for a decision regarding mutual aid response • Assuming the fire department official receiving the request approves that request, the dispatcher dispatches the fire units requested for mutual aid • The mutual aid apparatus responds as dispatched • The mutual aid units arrive on the scene and begin to provide the requested service This method is time-consuming and it delays the mutual aid units' response until after the initial dispatch or as late as when initial units arrive on the scene. The 1992 Fire Service Evaluation Study recommended that the automatic mutual aid be iinplemented as a means of improving service to the Rye Brook area. The Village of Rye Brook is encourag;,d to work with area fire department and Westchester County to implement a true automatic approach to the mutual use of resources in order to improve service to the public with little increased cost. COMMUNICATIONS AND DISPATCH As discussed previously with Rye B_z)ok officials, a Fire Department's communication system is an integral part of the department's operation, not an auxiliary function. The 41 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME COMMUNICATIONS AND DISPATCH (continued) effectiveness of the communications system is a critical factor in the delivery of fire and rescue services. All components of the fire communications service, including the telephone system, command and control operations, radio frequencies, and personnel must work properly if the system as a whole is to function efficiently within the context of the entire fire department service delivery system. A communications system, including the personnel and equipment, must be as dependable as possible. The system must provide continuous 24-hour per day operations. It is important to point out the critical nature of the communications function to the success of the basic service delivery. A breakdown in the communications function can reduce the effectiveness of the operation and impair the safety of firefighters. Communications failures or inefficiency jeopardizes service effectiveness and safety in the community by depriving the community of prompt service. Any interruption in communications, no matter how brief, might be the moment that an emergency arises, thus causing further problems beyond those the Fire Department was already responding. Dependability should be built into the communications system by: • Purchasing the most rugged and dependable equipment available • Instituting an adequate preventative maintenance program • Maintaining sufficient stand-by equipment • Carefully selecting, training, and supervising dispatch personnel These considerations apply equally to the fire department,police department, and emergency medical services dispatch components. 42 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. y RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME COMMUNICATIONS AND DISPATCH (continued) The placement of communications responsibility in a municipality or set of municipalities has been a sensitive issue in public safety. Public safety personnel may believe that they should control their own operations, while police personnel may feel that fire personnel cannot relate to their needs. To address these various concerns, municipalities employ various approaches: separate police and fire dispatch; combined police and fire dispatch, generally managed by police departments; and creation of public safety departments, to include the dispatch function and contract services. Rye Brook Communications Approach In the Village of Rye Brook, the communications and dispatch functions are outlined in the contract between Rural/Metro and the Village of Rye Brook: "Rye Brook shall during the term of this Agreement maintain and operate its present Communication Center. The Communication Center shall be equipped with U.L. approved equipment and be adequately staffed to receive fire and emergency related calls from the community, and shall dispatch the necessary emergency related vehicles in response to those calls. The equipment and staffing shall at all times be sufficient to handle predictable call volumes and demand fluctuations. A. All incoming telephone sines used by the public to request service, ring-down lines, and radio channels used to communicate field units shall be recorded at all times and capable of simultaneously recording and electronically time-stamping all such communications. The Communication Center shall retain all such recordings for a period of not less than six (6) months, and shall make available such recordings to Rural/Metro within seven (7) working days of the request. B. Communications Center dispatch times of apparatus shall be measured and dispatch performance criteria met. Dispatch performance criteria is defined 43 Carroll Bnracker do Associates,Inc. f • RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME COMMUNICATIONS AND DISPATCH (continued) as requiring ninety percent (90%) of all dispatches to be completed within sixty (60) seconds. The dispatch time shall be measured from the point at which a verifiable address is obtained from the calling party to the point at which the dispatcher completes radio notification to the apparatus assigned to the response. Any dispatch taking more than sixty (60) seconds to complete shall be documented, and reports shall be available to Rural/Metro. C. Dispatch and communications shall be through the Rye Brook Police Department. Rural/Metro will have an opportunity to review the Rye Brook Police Department communications system and make recommendations". Transition to Westchester County Fire Dispatch The 1992 Fire Service Evaluation Study recommended that the Westchester County fire dispatch center be requested to dispatch the Rye Brook Fire Department in order to attain improved efficiency and effectiveness in fire and related incident dispatches. The Study Team has been advised that request was made, Westchester County has agreed to provide that dispatch function for the Village and implementation of the transition to County dispatch is underway. The Village of Rye Brook is encouraged to proceed to implement this transition as soon as possible in order for improved dispatch efficiency and in order to begin to attain the benefits, such as improved incident documentation, of the transition. Both the County and Village are to be commended for this initiative. RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 The Village of Rye Brook is encouraged to work with area fire department and Westchester County to implement a true automatic approach to the mutual use of resources in order to improve service to the public with little increased cost. 44 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. J RISK ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TIME 3.2 The Village of Rye Brook is encouraged to proceed to implement the transition to County dispatch of fire and related incidents as soon as possible in order for improved dispatch efficiency and in order to begin to attain the benefits, such as improved incident documentation, of the transition. 45 Carmff Baradwr&Associates,Inc. CHAPTER FOUR FIRE STATION OPTIONS CHAPTER FOUR FIRE STATION OPTIONS This Chapter outlines the fire station location recommendations of previous studies and reviews the options and presents recommendations for future fire station siting in the Village of Rye Brook. BACKGROUND The vehicular apparatus of the Rye Brook Fire Department is currently housed on the Ellendale Avenue property (less than half of a city block off Ridge Street) next to the Village Garage. A two-bay building and a renovated office trailer are being utilized for the temporary living and office needs of fire department personnel. The Village of Rye Brook has been planning for the construction of a new fire station facility on a site, yet to be selected. Three previous studies made recommendations for the location of a fire station in the Village of Rye Brook. PREVIOUS STATION LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS The following sections summarize the findings of previous fire station location analysis conducted for the Village of Rye Brook. Findings of the 1992 Fire Service Evaluation The 1992 Fire Service Evaluation of the fire services provided to the Village of Rye Brook included a detailed fire station location analysis. As background, the major findings (which were only advisory) of that fire station location analysis were: "Based on the application of this two-mile response standard, the Study Team has arrived at the following conclusions regarding station location and utilization: Carroll smacker&Associates,Inc. 46 e � FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) 1. Any one of the four Port Chester fire stations, properly staffed and equipped with fire apparatus would be sufficient to serve the Village of Port Chester and the lower half of the Village of Rye Brook. 2. The upper half of the Village of Rye Brook, North of Hutchinson River Parkway, is outside of the two-mile response area standard. Responses into this part of the Village of Rye Brook are in excess of four minutes, even if there are firefighting personnel in the fire station and the apparatus from the closest Port Chester fire station responds immediately when dispatched. 3. Available fire protection resources in the form of other nearby fire stations, apparatus and personnel are not being utilized to provide service to the Village of Rye Brook in the shortest possible time. Only apparatus and personnel from Port Chester Fire Department fire stations are being dispatched into Rye Brook despite the availability of fire apparatus and personnel in other area fire stations that are sometimes closer and could arrive on the scene and commence emergency operations in a shorter time frame. 4. An automatic response mutual aid plan is not in place to provide service in the shortest time frame." Fire Router Fire Station Location Analysis The location for a Rye Brook fire station was originally identified in the 1992 Fire Service Evaluation Study. The initial evaluation has been updated by a computerized fire station location analysis conducted for Rural Metro. Some information regarding that analysis is included in the remainder of this Section. 47 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) In order to project a fire department's future needs, Rural/Metro Corporation utilized a computer program to aid in these important decisions. The Fire Router Transportation Package, produced by a company in Toronto, Canada, uses actual road networks, distances and average speeds to determine station coverage. It also has the capability of comparing the calculated response times with the anticipated risks within the study area. The program provides the following information for the management staff to formulate their decisions. I. Building Optimum Routes: Response routes from any fire station to any demand zone based on minimum time or distance. 2. Zone to Zone Response: Minimum time or distance from any demand zone to any demand zone. 3. Fire Demand Zone Response Summary: Summarize the fire protection coverage given by a defined scenario of fire station, identifying zones that are adequately served and those that are inadequately served. 4. Multiple Station Response Summary: The determination of fire stations in sequence which have the lowest response times and trips to each demand zone. 48 Carroll Baracker&Amociatm Inc. f FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) 5. Fire Station Demand Summary: For each fire station, the program produces a list of demand zones for which that station has the minimum response time, second best, third best, and fourth best response times. The program also produces a summary of the utility of each fire station, based on user supplied "risk quantities," for each demand zone. 6. Multiple Fire Station Location Optimizer: The program produces the top 25 locations for future fire station locations. The user can define fixed or existing locations and the system identifies the alternatives including average weighted response times for each scenario. The system measures the user identified risk for each fire demand zone. The risk can be established by any guideline. Examples of these guidelines include: resident population, incident history, anticipated fire flow (water supply), etc. The Village of Rye Brook Study utilized resident population and average anticipated fire flow. When the system compares response times and risk quantities, it provides "average weighted" response times. Those weighted response times are the average of all the responses within the demand zone that have a quantity of risk being evaluated. For example, a zone with no population and a seven-minute response time would not be averaged into those responses of zones with populations. All the data base information can easily be changed to accommodate the growth that occurs within the Village of Rye Brook. The Village of Rye Brook, New York is primarily a bedroom community with approximately 3,000 residences located on the southern New York, Connecticut state line. The majority of the area is single and multi-family residential and light commercial retail. 49 Carroa Barwker&AswdaW6 Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) The Fire Router report considered the proposed expansion of the Royal Executive Park Phase 3 which has been approved for development. THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE By resolution dated October 13, 1992, the Rye Brook Village Board of Trustees created the Facilities Committee consisting of seven members appointed from the community to establish the long-term needs of the Village as they relate to the need or benefit of establishing facilities for the community. A number of future Village facilities were being considered, including a new Village office, community center,pool complex and fire station. The resolution stated, in part, that "a needs assessment, both from a financial standpoint and socio-qualitative point of view, must be conducted in order to determine and prioritize the development of needed facilities." Since its creation,the Facilities Committee has worked on and made recommendations to the Board of Trustees on a number of Village facility projects including the new Village office that has just been completed on King Street. In early 1995 the Facilities Committee began deliberations in preparation for making recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees on a site for the first permanent fire station for the Village of Rye Brook. The Study Team was advised that the Facilities Committee performed the following types of primary tasks as part of its work: • Developed a list of possible sites for a fire station facility • Developed criteria for site selection determination • Obtained community involvement and input through a number of open meetings 50 IL Carroll Bnracker do Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS FACILITIES COMMIT TEE (continued) • Visited and videotaped a number of area fire stations in other municipalities, e.g. Scarsdale, White Plains, New Rochelle and Town of Mamaroneck • Interviewed neighbors of some fire stations to obtain information on their perceived impact of living near a fire station • Evaluated the list of available fire station sites against the site selection criteria and established a final list of possible fire station locations The Study Team was provided with all information relative to the work of the Facilities Committee, reviewed videotapes of previous public Committee meetings and met with the Committee in open session. The Study Team was impressed with the complete, professional and open approach taken by the Committee in its work. This is the most comprehensive and open process for fire station location site selection followed by any citizen committee observed by the Study Team. Initial List of Possible Sites The following is the preliminary unpricruized list o: possible fire station location sites developed by the Rye Brook Facilities Committee: 1. Westchester Airport 2. King Street and Anderson Hill Road 3. North Ridge Street and Betsy Brown Road 4. Rye Brook High School garage area 5. Bowman Avenue - Rye City property 6. Crawford Park - North Ridge Street side 7. High Point Hospital 8. King Street and Hillandale Road - former compost site 9. King Street north of the new Village Hall 51 Carroll Bnracker&Assodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS FACILITIES COMMITTEE (continued) 10. King Street at Comly Avenue 11. King Street on the new Village Hall property 12. North Ridge Street and Rocking Horse Trail 13. North Ridge Street across from Sleepy Hollow Road 14. West William Street as part of the Highway/Recreation Department complex The Study Team was advised that the Facilities Committee developed this list of possible fire station sites based on research by its members and input received from members of the community. This list was reviewed with the public at a number of open Committee meetings to insure that there were no available sites being overlooked. Based on that process, the above initial list was formed. Site Selection Criteria In the experiences of the Study Team, fire station sites are selected by municipalities based on a number of criteria that includes the following: • Geographic layout of the area of the community to be served • Location of primary roadway arteries • Traffic patterns and related issues • Emergency apparatus response experience • Impact on the community • Response time data and projections • Sites available • Size and topography of available sites • Location of major intersections • Location of possible response barriers, including railroad lines, drawbridges, creeks, rivers and flood prone areas • Projected construction costs • Location of one-way streets 52 Carroll Baracker&Amodaim Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS FACILITIES COMMITTEE (continued) • Known traffic bottlenecks With significant community input, the Facilities Committee determined that the following six items would serve as the primary criteria for site selection: l. Response time 2. Topography of the site 3. Size of the site - .2 to three acres 4. Economics - cost property and facility construction and economic impact on home values 5. Traffic 6. Safety - of citizens and firefighters The Facilities Comnittee did not prioritize the above selection criteria; however, based on discussion with the Committee, community,niembe�s and Village officials,the response time and safety criteria appeared to the Study Team to be the more important items. The Study Teams considers the criteria to be very complete and consistent with the criteria typically used by other municipalities and the Study Team in fire station location studies. Therefore, the Study Team utilized these criteria in developing its conclusions and recommendations for the Village of Rye Brook. It should be noted that the Study Team considers response time to be the single most important criteria in selecting a fire station site. 11 Carroll Bnracker&Anociatm Inc. 53 FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS FACILITIES COMMITTEE (continued) Final List of Potential Sites In utilizing the site selection criteria, the Facilities Committee process led to the elimination of 10 sites from further consideration. The Study Team reviewed the process and agrees that there was justification for the elimination of the 10 sites. The Study Team was advised that based on Committee deliberations the following sites remain under consideration: 1. North Ridge Street and Betsy Brown Road 2. North Ridge Street across from Sleepy Hollow Road 3. King Street north of new Village Hall 4. King Street and Hillandale Road Since the Study Team did not see any other potentially acceptable fire station location sites, the Study Team will consider these four potential fire station sites in subsequent sections of this Chapter. It should be noted that the four remaining possible fire station sites fit the selection criteria for purposes of one fire station serving the Village of Rye Brook. The Study Team was requested to review and provide conclusions and recommendations on a two-fire-station option. A later section of this Chapter assesses a two-fire-station option. i�z Carroll Buracker&Associates,Inc 54 FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS FIRE STATION FACILITY DESIGN General Design Requirements Since the 1980s, a number of changes in the fire protection industry have necessitated changes in fire station design. In 1989, the International Association of Fire Chiefb published a document entitled "Fire Station Planning, Design and Construction." That document, which includes pictures and schematics, covers the following subjects: • Fire station planning. • Functions and uses. • Rooms and types of rooms. • Proximity spaces. • Space requirements. • Safety Features (NFPA 1500). • Materials. • Lighting and power. • Heating and cooling. • Communications. • Size of property. • Outside configuration. • Codes and standards. Two additional reference sources published by the National Fire Protection Association provide excellent fire station design information. The Fire Chiefs Handbook includes a chapter entitled, "Fire Station Facility and Design." This chapter is very detailed and includes information on the following: Impact of organizational aspects • Basic layout concepts 55 Carroll Baracker do Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS FIRE STATION FACILITY DESIGN (continued) • Appearance considerations • Special design considerations • Space requirements • Estimating total space requirements • Design budgets • Construction system and equipment selection • Response systems • Construction process Additionally, the Fire Protection Handbook, 18' Edition, includes a chapter entitled, Fire Department Facilities and Fire Training Facilities that also addresses fire station design topics, including: • Plan types • Adjacency relationships for space planning • Space planning analysis to obtain the gross area requirements • Space components The Village of Rye Brook may wish to review these fire station planning documents to insure that its future fire station facility/s are as complete and workable as possible. Rye Brook Fire Station As stated in the 1992 Fire Services Study, the fire station envisioned by the Study Team is a medium sized facility of approximately 7,500-8,000 square feet. A new fire station should include four apparatus, an apparatus exhaust system and an emergency generator. It should be fully sprinklered and have adequate space to support four paid firefighters 24 hours per day and four volunteers on standby nights and weekends. The facility should also be able to support the needs of the Fire Department in terms of administrative, training and meeting space. .16 Carroll Baracker&Amodatm Inc- 56 FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS SIZE AND CONFIGURATION OF SITE The size and configuration of the site for a permanent Rye Brook Fire Station should be large enough and configured adequately to meet the Fire Department's present and future needs. A number of the key factors to consider in making a determination of size include: • Maximum number of firefighters to be supported by the facility • Number and size of apparatus to be housed • Future expectations for growth and expansion, if any, of the service area • Functions, fire department and other, to be supported by the facility Once these planning factors have been considered and determined, the size of the facility and the site required to support the planned facility may be determined. The width and depth requirements of the property may then be considered. In so doing, the following types of criteria are typically used to determine the adequacy of the size of the site. The width and depth of the site should: • Accommodate the agreed upon station size and design • Afford sufficient space for an effective buffer of landscaping between the fire station property and adjacent properties • Allow for adequate parking • Allow for di:ve-through operations with rear drive through of fire apparatus • Permit the inclusion of effective anti-noise and anti-might light buffers • Provide for proper municipal setback requirements • Provide area for training in the rear or side of the station • Afford enough space on the engine room ramp to hold the longest apparatus to be housed at the station without projecting onto the sidewalk or street The Study Team has assessed the final four sites under consideration for the location of the future Rye Brook Fire Station. All four sites are minimally adequate in size and configuration to serve as the site of the future fire station. Each site, however, differs from the others in terms of relative level of acceptability. The Study Team has compared the-final 57 Carroll Bnracker&Amodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS SIZE AND CONFIGURATION OF SITE (continued) four sites relative to the above criteria on site size and configuration. Based on that assessment, the Study Team considers three sites as equal in terms of adequacy: North Ridge Street and Betsy Brown Road,North Ridge Street across from Sleepy Hollow Road and King Street and Hillandale Road. The two sites on King Street north of the new Village Hall, although minimally adequate, are considered to be less adequate than the other three final sites because of smaller size, narrow configuration and proximity to adjacent residences. TRAFFIC ANALYSIS Response time is considered by many fire station planners to be the most critical item in the selection of a site for a new fire station. The assessment of traffic-related issues is a primary consideration in assessing the response time component. The following are a number of the factors typically considered by municipal traffic engineers when assessing traffic-related issues relative to making fire station location decisions: • Street layout • Traffic density • Response hazards; narrow streets, low clearances and overhead wires • Special needs; hospitals, schools, nursing homes and places of assembly • Anticipated changes; areas of future growth, planned street widenings or rerouting, major construction and overall municipal plan • Motor vehicle history Rye Brook Traffic Analysis The Village of Rye Brook has conducted a number of traffic analyses to assist Village officials in a number of planning efforts, including a traffic analysis that was conducted and report issued to assist with the planning of the new Village Hall complex on King Street south of the Hutchinson River Parkway. 58 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (continued) By request of the Facilities Committee and consistent with the importance of traffic analysis to fire station location planning, the Village of Rye Brook had a traffic analysis conducted of the following four traffic ccrridors associated with the target areas being considered: 1. North Ridge Street at Betsy Brown Road 2. North Ridge Street south of Sleepy Hollow Road 3. King Street south of the Hutchinson River Parkway 4. King Street, on the westerly side of the roadway, south of Blind Brook Middle/High Schools This traffic analysis was conducted by Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. for the purpose of providing an overview of traffic conditions in the vicinity of the final fire station sites under consideration. The Study Team was provided with a copy of the traffic analysis report. The source of all traffic information referenced in this Fire Station Location Study was drawn by the Study Team from the traffic analysis conducted by Frederick P. Clark Associates. Inc. Roadways North Ridge Street at Betsy Brown Road - North Ridge Street in the vicinity of this intersection is a two-lane road, maintained by Westchester County. It has a pavement width of approximately 24 feet. This road intersects several Village streets, Westchester Avenue and Bowman Avenue. To the north, it intersects the Hutchinson River Parkway at a full-movement diamond interchange. The intersection of Betsy Brown Road is controlled by a two-phase traffic signal. Land use in the immediate vicinity of the intersection is residential, except Crawford Park, a Rye Town park, located south of this intersection with an entrance drive from North Ridge Street. 59 Carroll Buracker&Amodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (continued) Betsy Brown Road is a local, Village-maintained roadway, with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour. This two-lane road has a pavement width of 34 feet, both east and west of the North Ridge Street Intersection. North Ridge Street south of Sleepy Hollow Road-This two-lane, County-maintained, road has a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour and a pavement width of approximately 22 feet. Traffic control in the vicinity of this site is limited to `STOP' signs on side street approaches, including the school access drives. Land use in the vicinity of the site is residential, except for Ridge Street School located on the opposite side of the street and a day care facility located north of the site on the same side of North Ridge Street. Sight lines are generally good in the vicinity of this site. North Ridge Street begins to the north at King Street, intersects the Hutchison River Parkway at a diamond-type interchange and continues to the south and the Village commercial center. Kin S,g treet (Near Parkway Ramps) - This two-lane, State highway, begins to the south in the Village of Port Chester, continuing in a northwest direction to Westchester County Airport, and terminating at New York Route 120. This roadway has a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour in the vicinity of the sites. The two parcels under consideration for a fire station location north of Village Hall are located on the westerly side of King Street near the Hutchinson River Parkway northbound on/off ramps. Sight distance along King Street in this area is acceptable at both parcels. The pavement width in the vicinity of these two sites is from 24 to 40 feet. Traffic signals are located to the south at the Arbors Drive and Glenville Road intersections. To the north, side roads and Parkway ramp intersection are controlled 60 Carroll Buracker&Assodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (continued) by `STOP' signs. Land use is mostly residential, except for the new Village Hall/Police Station and Blind Brook Middle/High Schools. King Street (South of Glenville Road) - Another possible site is the Village-owned land south of the Middle/High Schools on King Street Access would be from King Street on the inside of a curve---which could potentially restrict sight distance. Traffic Volumes This Section summarizes the traffic conditions near each of the potential fire stations sites, as detailed in a report by Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. North Ridge Street at Betsy Brown Road - A review of traffic at this intersection (obtained in December 1996 by John Meyer Consulting) showed that during the morning peak hour the two-way volume on North Ridge Street was between 670 and 690 vehicles. During the afternoon peak hour, the two-way volume was between 555 and 625 vehicles. Betsy Brown, west of the North Ridge Street intersection, carries a two-way volume of 65 vehicles during the morning peak hour and 40 vehicles during the afternoon peak hour. East of the North Ridge Street intersection had a recorded two-way volume of 325 and 305 vehicles during the morning peak and afternoon hours, respectively. North Ridge Street south of Sleepy Hollow Road - Traffic volume surveys were conducted on North Ridge Street at each of the school access drives and the Rockinghorse Trail intersection. A review of the peak hour volumes shows that during the morning peak hour the two-way volume on North Ridge Street adjacent to the site is 490 vehicles. At the sanit _c,�ation during the afternoon peak hour, the two- 61 Carroll Bnraeker&Amodatm Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (continued) hour volume is 400 vehicles. A majority of the traffic on North Ridge Street near the elementary school is due to the school parent pick-up and drop-off activities. It should be noted that during the peak hour the two-way volume on North Ridge Street further to the south between the school exit drive and the lower parking lot entrance is 710 vehicles. Afternoon peak hour volumes are higher a short distance to the south of the potential fire station site. Again, these traffic volumes are mostly related to school traffic. King Street (Near Parkway Ramps) - Estimated 1997 traffic volumes, which include the new Village Hall traffic, show that King Street carries a two-way volume of approximately 1,750 during the morning peak hour (8:00-9:00 AM) and 1,625 vehicles during the afternoon peak hour (5:00-6:00 PM). An evaluation of these traffic volumes shows that King Street is congested during peak hours. This high volume of traffic can be attributed to: • Commuters accessing the Hutchinson River/Merritt Parkway, Blind Brook Middle/High Schools, and • Motorists traveling to downtown Port Chester, office parks along King Street north of the Hutchinson River Parkway and Westchester County Airport Kin Sg treet (South of Glenville Road) - The estimated two-way volume on King Street south of Glenville Road is 1,210 and 1,215 vehicles during the morning and afternoon peak hours, respectively. Glenville Road carries several hundred vehicles during both peak hours. It should be noted that although the School generates a high volume of traffic during the one hour period from 2:45-3:45 PM, the afternoon peak hour actually occurs 5:00-6:00 PM. 62 Carroll Bnracker&A&oclatm Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (continued) Motor Vehicle Accident History This Section reviews motor vehicle accident history obtained by Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. from the Village of Rye Brook Police Department for the period from January 1, 1994 through October 31, 1996. Accident history for North Ridge Street for the section from King Street to Ridge Boulevard and King Street from North Ridge Street to Hillandale Road was obtained. North Ridge Street at Betsy Brown Road - There were seven accidents recorded on North Ridge Street, from the Hutchinson River Parkway interchange to Ridge Boulevard in 1994, five accidents in 1995 and 13 in 1996 (January through October). The highest number of accidents recorded at one intersection was three at the North Ridge Street/Ridge Boulevard and the North Ridge Street/Betsy Brown Road Intersection. On Betsy Brown Road to Haines Boulevard to the east, there was one accident reported in 1994, two accidents each in 1995 and 1996 (January through October). North Ridge Street in the Vicinity of Sleepy Hollow Road - In the section of North Ridge Street between King Street and the Hutchinson River Parkway interchange, there were nine accidents reported at five different intersections. The North Ridge Street/Hutchinson River Parkway southbound ramps intersection had the highest number of accidents recorded with four accidents in 1994. Kin Street treet - Accident history was obtained for six intersections along King Street between the South Ridge Street and Hillandale Road intersections. There were 18 accidents reported in 1994, 16 accidents in 1995 and 20 in 1996 (January through October). The highest number of accidents was recorded at the King Street/Hutchinson River Parkway northbound .umps/Glen Ridge Road intersection with eight accidents in 1995 and five accidents in the first ten months of 1996. The 63 Carroll Boracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (continued) King Street/Arbor Drive and King Street/Glenville Road intersections both had five accidents reported in 1994. The King Street/Hillandale Road intersection had three accidents reported. Other intersections had one to three accidents reported on an annual basis. Future Road Improvements The Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. traffic report included the following regarding planned future road improvements: "The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plans to reconstruct the Hutchinson River Parkway through the Village of Rye Brook. It is anticipated that this construction will begin in two or three years. Parkway improvements will include the North Ridge Street and King Street interchanges. It has not been determined at this time what type of traffic control will be installed at the Parkway ramp intersections on North Ridge Street. North Ridge Street will remain a two-lane roadway in the vicinity of the Parkway interchange. King Street, in the vicinity of the Parkway interchange, will be upgraded to provide five lanes. Traffic signals will be installed at the North Ridge Street/Parkway ramps and the Parkway northbound ramps and Glen Ridge Road intersections. The widening will be tapered down in front of the King Street sites to meet the existing two-lane roadway". TWO-FIRE-STATION OPTION As requested by the Facilities Committee, this Section provides the Study Team's assessment of the relative benefits of a two-fire-station option for the Village of Rye Brook. 64 Carroll Baracker&Aa ociatm Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TWO-FIRE-STATION OPTION (continued) Fire station location sites were not specifically identified. Apparently, the two-fire-station option, as described to the Study Team, could involve the current Fire Station on W. William Street remaining in operation with a second Village of Rye Brook fire station on King Street on the old High Point Hospital site. Impact on Response Time On the surface, it would seem logical that the two-fire-station option should result in improved response times of emergency fire and rescue apparatus to the Village of Rye Brook. However, a detailed review of this fire station location option indicates that, unless the staffing of the Rye Brook Fire Department is doubled, projected response times for a two-fire-station option could increase rather than decrease. The Rye Brook Fire Department's current initial response of firefighting personnel includes four personnel, including the Fire Chief. The staff typically respond from one location on two units of fire apparatus with the Fire Chief responding in the command unit. At the scene, they form up into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) required fire attack team of four personnel to initiate the attack on the fire. With this staffing strategy, all personnel generally arrive at the scene at the same time and, as a team, begin the process of assessment, establishing command and initiating fire attack, as required by the situation found upon arrival. Unless firefighter staffing were doubled, the operation of a two-fire-station configuration could be accomplished in a number of ways, but would generally require splitting the current staffing between the two fire stations with one firefighter responding from one fire station on the pumper, the captain and a firefighter responding on the ladder truck from the second fire station and the fire chief responding in the command unit. With this staffing approach, fire attack could not be initiated until the other units were on the scene and the required four member attack crew formed. Ther-tore, with the current staffing there would appear to be no advantage to implementing a two-fire-station configuration. 65 Carroll Bnracker&As,odatM Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TWO-FIRE-STATION OPTION (continued) Cost Implications The following sections review the potential facility, operating and salaries and wages expenses Fire Station Construction Costs The advocates of the two-fire-station option speculate that the current fire station on W. William Street could remain in operation indefinitely at its present location and that the current owner/developer of the old High Point Hospital site might donate the property to the Village for a new fire station. Thus, it is postulated that the two-fire-station option could be implemented at no additional cost for the facility than the one-fire-station option. The Study Team was advised that the current W. William Street Fire Station site is only temporary. The current Butler type building housing the fire apparatus was built to house other Village maintenance functions. Additionally, the Study Team believes that the "mobile home" currently used on a 24-hour basis as the living quarters, training and office area for the firefighters is inadequate in terms of both space and functionality. This location does not appear to be a permanent fire station location option. Its eventual replacement facility would cost Rye Brook approximately $1.2 million. Additionally, the High Point Hospital site would require the construction of a full fire station facility at an additional cost of approximately $ 1.2 million. Assuming the High Point Hospital site developer donates the property for the fire station, the two-fire-station option could cost the Village of Rye Brook twice as much for facility construction as a one-fire- station option. 66 Carroll Bnracker&Amodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS TWO-FIRE-STATION OPTION (continued) Operating Expenses The operating expenses---utilities, telephone, building maintenance and office supplies---for a two-fire-station option could cost the Village of Rye Brook twice as much as the one fire station option. The Study Team was advised that the current cost of operating the Rye Brook Fire Station is approximately $19,000 annually. Therefore, it is estimated that the two-fire- station option would cost a total of$38,000 annually. Salaries and Wages Expenses In order for a two-fire-station operation to be effective and provide any benefits to the Village of Rye Brook, a minimum of two additional captains and six firefighters would be required. Based on current salary data provided to the Study Team, this additional staffing would cost Rye Brook an additional $320,000 annually. Conclusion: Two-Fire-Station Option In the Study Team's judgment, a two-fire-station option is not justified for the Village of Rye Brook: • Response times would be significantly increased unless the staffing of the Fire Department is doubled at an estimated additional cost of$320,000 • A single fire station option seems to provided adequate response times to all parts of the Village • Fire station facility costs for construction could double for a total of$2.4 million • Operating and maintenance costs could double to a total of$38,000 annually Given the response times projected for sites currently under consideration for the one-fire- station option and the estimated cost increases, the Study Team is not recommending two fire stations for the Village of Rye Brook. 67 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS This Section reviews and assesses the four final fire stations sites. During the on-site visits by the Study Team, a number of issues were raised by proponents and opponents of a number of these sites that, in the opinion of the Study Team, may apply essentially equally to all sites. These issues appear to apply across the board to all sites and, therefore, may not contribute to the discussion as a means of differentiating between the relative comparison of the final sites. For that reason, the following items are not discussed specifically as part of the following sections: • Fire House Noise - A number of opponents of sites indicated that fire stations generally create increased noise in the neighborhood near the fire station. The Study Team was advised that a survey of residents located near a number of fire stations in Westchester County indicated that they did not notice or consider this to be a problem. The survey results aside, any potential noise problem would not be more or less pronounced among the four final sites under consideration. Therefore, noise generation is not discussed as a site selection factor in the following sections. • Real Estate Value - There was a concern expressed by a number of residents that the placement of a fire station in their neighborhood would have an adverse impact on the value of or future ability to sell their property. The Study Team had not encountered this concern during any of the other 50 fire station location studies it has conducted in the past. Perceived or real, it is an obvious concern in Rye Brook. However, all of the final sites being considered are in residential neighborhoods and any such impact would be similar among the four sites under consideration. Therefore, impact on real estate value is not discussed as a site selection factor in the following sections. In the following sections, selection criteria relative to each of the four final sites are discussed. Subsequently, the four sites are rated numerically to provide a focused comparison of the four sites. 16 68 Carroll Baracker&Amodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) North Ridge and Betsy Brown This site is part of the Red Roof Farm property which comprises 22 acres of property. The portion of this property under consideration is on North Ridge Street at or near Betsy Brown Road. Response time The projected response time from this site to all of the Village of Rye Brook is 3.4 minutes with an average fire apparatus speed of 23 mile per hour. This site provides the second best projected response time relative to the other three sites under consideration. This site would provide excellent north-south and cross Village response utilizing the North Ridge Street and Betsy Brown Road intersection. If southbound North Ridge Street were blocked, due to auto accident or tree down, etc., acceptable response to the area of the Hilton Hotel, for example, would be available via Pine Ridge Road. Additionally, this site would provide the best overall response time to the four schools serving Rye Brook. Safety This site is located at an intersection rqu-L is already controlled by a traffic light. Ingress and egress to the fire station could be onto Betsy Brown K.oad with direct access onto North Ridge Street being controlled by the traffic light at the intersection. Topography The topography of this site is adequate for the construction of a Rye Brook fire station. 69 Carroll Bnracker&Assodates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) Size and Shape of the Site The size of this site is sufficient to build a suitable new fire station. The actual size and shape of this property would need to be negotiated with the current owners. Economics This site would be the most costly site to prepare for use as a fire station. A significant amount of cut and fill earth work would need to be accomplished. The Village of Rye Brook provided the Study Team with site preparation estimates considered necessary to grade this site for the construction of a fire station. These estimates were predicated on an overall pad size for building, parking and circulation of 180' by 240' for a fire station with a "foot print" of approximately 80' by 100. The estimates are as follows: • 10,000 cubic yards of earth (estimated to be 75% rock) would need to be excavated • 1,000 cubic yards of compacted fill would need to be provided Based on the above, the estimated cost of performing this work is $245,000. The estimated cost of building a fire station on this site is $1.45 million. If this site is selected by the Village, negotiations would need to take place with the owner to determine the cost of site acquisition. Traffic The Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. traffic report included the following summary of this possible fire station location site, access from adjacent streets and traffic impacts: 70 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) "Due to the grades of the vacant property which rises away from the roadway, site access modifications would be necessary to permit access from North Ridge Street. Due to the alignment of the North Ridge Street north of Betsy Brown Road intersection, it may be appropriate to have all access via Betsy Brown Road.. However, site access could be permitted from North Ridge Street with all existing traffic using Betsy Brown Road and taking; advantage of the existing traffic signal. This intersection currently operates at a Level of Service `B' during both the morning and afternoon peak hours. With the anticipated development of the vacant property surrounding this site, it is anticipated that the Level of Service will remain the same during both peak hours. A fire house at this site will be more centrally located, especially with respect to the central business district located on South Ridge Street to the South". North Ridge and Sleepy Hollow This site is just south of the intersection of North Ridge Street and Sleepy Hollow Road. The site under consideration would be comprised of the property known as 399 North Ridge Street and the adjacent Westchester County owned surplus property just to its north on North Ridge Street. Response Time The projected response time from this site to all of the Village of Rye Brook is 3.2 minutes with an average fire apparatus speed of 23 mile per hour. This site provides the best projected response time relative to the other three sites under consideration. Ell 71 Carroll Barackrr&Aitodatm Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) Safety A safety concern was expressed by a number of Rye Brook residents regarding the proximity of this site to the Ridge Street School. The concern relates to fire apparatus responding in the area with elementary school students walking and running in the area and increased traffic congestion in the area during the morning and afternoon times for school opening and closing. While the perceptions of residents and especially parents are important, the Study Team has generally observed a feeling of increased or improved public safety due to the close proximity of fire, EMS and rescue services and improved security. The Study Team noted the following items that relate to safety of residents, students and faculty: • State mandated 15 mph speed limit for emergency vehicles responding in the vicinity of a school • Stringent Fire Department policy relating to the operation of fire and rescue apparatus with lights and sirens • Professionally trained fire and rescue apparatus drivers Additionally, it should be noted that the Ridge Street School is near the geographic center of Rye Brook and it is also located on the primary north/south traffic corridor on which all emergency vehicles must travel. Therefore, it appears that fire and rescue units will be responding past the Ridge Street School on approximately 50 percent of all fire and EMS calls for service regardless of which of the final sites is selected by the Village of Rye Brook. Topogjaphy This potential fire station location site is generally level. oil 72 Carroll Baracker&Amociatm Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) Size and Shape of the site The size of this site is sufficient to build a suitable new fire station. Economics The cost of constructing a fire station on this site co:,ld be reduced by utilizing the existing house as part of the final fire station facility. The existing house would need to be renovated with a sprinkler system added and the additional engine bays and other facilities added to complete the fire station. It is estimated that the cost of the fire station facility could be reduced by at least $200,000. Traffic The Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. traffic report included the following summary of this possible fire station location site, access from adjacent streets and traffic impacts: "This section of North Ridge Street carries substantially less traffic when compared to King Street in the vicinity of Hutchinson Riv--r Parkway interchange. A majority of the traffic. congestion in this area is related to school activities at the elementary school, which is located a very short distance south of the site. The presence of a fire house would have little impact on this section of North Ridge Street, except during the morning when school starts and at dismissal time. Otherwise, this roadway has little, if any, traffic congestion. A traffic signa: would not be needed at this location. This site is also more centrally located relative to the rest of the Village. The Hutchinson River Parkway interchange should have little impact on traffic operations along this section of North Ridge Street, since the volume of traffic using this interchange is minimal. Sight distance on this section of roadway is good." 73 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) King Street North of Village Hall There are two possible sites under consideration north of the new Village Hall. Both properties are on the New York side of King Street just south of the Hutchinson River Parkway. The first site at this location is the first property south of the Parkway and the second possible site is the fourth property south of the Parkway. Due to their similarity and close location to each other, these properties are reviewed together. Response Time The projected response time from these sites to all areas within the Village of Rye Brook is 4.0 minutes with an average fire apparatus speed of 27 mile per hour. The King Street sites seem to provide the worst projected response time relative to the other sites under consideration. Response time from these sites is hindered by the requirement for the apparatus responding to the lower half of the Village to first respond up to North Ridge Street and then to the call or to travel down King Street and respond through residential neighborhoods on Betsy Brown Road over to North Ridge Street. Safety The primary safety concern regarding these sites relates to the high traffic volumes and prior history of reported accidents. These sites are also near the entrance to the Blind Brook High School. Topography These two sites would require limited site preparation as part of fire station construction. The site closest to the new Village Hall would requires a limited amount of excavation to render the site acceptable for fire station construction. L. Carroll Bu acker&Associates,Inc. 74 FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) Size and Shape of the Site The two sites that comprise this option are the least desirable from the point of view of size and shape. Both are very narrow. If either of these sites were selected by the Village, the fire station would need to be a drive-through facility with rear access to the fire station from an alley way. Due to the turning radius of fire and rescue apparatus, the design of a fire station on either of these sites would be difficult. Economics Both of these sites include a house on the property. However, due to the narrow nature of these properties, it is doubtful that these houses could be incorporated into the ultimate construction of a fire station. Therefore, it is estimated that, if either of these sites is selected, a full fire station facility would be required at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. Additionally, the location of a fire station on either of these sites would require the expenditure of funds for appropriate traffic signalization. If either of these sites were selected, the Village would need ro negotiate site acquisiiion with the current owners. Traffic The Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. traffic report included the following summary of these possible fire station location sites, access from adjacent streets and traffic impacts: "...this roadway adjacent to the sites carries a peak volume of 1,750 vehicles during the morning peak hour. Due to the high volume of traffic on this roadway, and traffic congestion from the Middle/High Schools, combined with the traffic activity at the Parkway ramps, access to any one of these parcels :nay require the installation of an actuated traffic signal to permit emergency vehicles to exit a.fire house, With-.the 75 Carroll Bnracker&Associates,Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) planned reconstruction of the Parkway and the Parkway ramps and a portion of King Street, additional traffic congestion may occur because of the installation of traffic signals at the off-ramps. The installation of a traffic signal at the fire house access drive would have to be interconnected with the proposed traffic signals at the Parkway ramps and possibly with the Arbors Drive and Glenville Road intersections. Sight distance is good at these locations." King Street Near Hillandale Road This site is the old Village compost site located on King Street on the curve just north of Hillandale Road. Response time The projected response time from this site to all areas of the Village of Rye Brook is 4.0 minutes with an average fire apparatus speed of 27 mile per hour. The King Street sites provide the highest projected response time relative to the other sites under consideration. Response time from this site is hindered by the requirement for the apparatus responding to the lower half of the Village to respond up to North Ridge Street and then to the call or to travel down King Street and respond through residential neighborhoods on Betsy Brown Road over to North Ridge Street. Safety Safety concerns regarding this site relate to the high traffic volume and number of reported accidents on King Street in this vicinity, its location near a curve on King Street and its proximity to the entrance to the Blind Brook High School. CarroD Baracker&Assodaces,Inc. 76 FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS ONE STATION OPTIONS (continued) Topography This site is essentially level. Size of the Site The size of this site is sufficient to build a suitable new fire station. Economics The Village currently owns this property, therefore, there would be no site acquisition costs. A full fire station facility would need to be constructed on this site at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. Additionally, the location of a fire station on this site would require the expenditure of funds for appropriate traffic signalization. Traffic King Street (South of Glenville Road) - This section dries less traffic than near the School or the Parkway, however, it should be noted that fire apparatus responding from a fire station at this location would most likely travel north through the portion of Ding Street that carries heavier traffic. The peak hour volumes may still warrant the installation of an actuated traffic signal, interconnected with the Glenville Road signal. Access to the Village-owned site would be located on the inside of a curve. Sight distance would be restricted, possibly in both directions. Clearing of vegetation would be needed to improve sight distance. OVERALL SITE ASSESSMENT The Study Team prepared a chart that includes a numerical rating system to provide visually illustrate its findings and conclusions regarding the our final sites being considered from the perspective of the site selection criteria. See Figure 4.1. Carroll Bnracker&AwodntM Inc. 77 e d r FIRE STATION LOCATION'OPTIONS OVERALL SITE ASSESSMENT (continued) Figure 4.1 FIRE STATION SITE RATING BASED ON THE SELECTION CRITERIA RESPONSE TIME 2 1 4 4 SAFETY l 2 4 4 TOPOGRAPHY 1 1 3 2 SITE SIZE 1 1 4 1 ECONOMICS 4 1 3 3 TRAFFIC 1 2 4 4 SITE RATING 10 8 22 18 Note: In the above rating system 1 indicates the best and 4 indicates the worst. As illustrated in Figure 4.1, it appears that the two potential fire station location sites on North Ridge Street (Betsy Brown Road and Sleepy Hollow Road) are significantly better sites than those on King Street. The advantages of the North Ridge Street sites over the King Street sites can be summarized as follows: • Projected response time is the lowest providing improved service to the Village • Located centrally in the geographic area of the Village • Located on North Ridge Street---the primary north/south traffic corridor • Lowest number of reported traffic accidents • Lowest traffic volumes • Adequate size and configuration of property It should be noted that neither of the North Ridge Street sites is a perfect fire station site. The site at the intersection of Betsy Brown Road would be more costly to construct because of topography. And, the site just south of the intersection with Sleepy Hollow Road has significant public opposition due to its location near the Ridge Street School and the concerns all 78 Carron Buacker&Aasociatm Inc. FIRE STATION LOCATION OPTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) regarding student safety. With the exception of site preparation costs,the Betsy Brown Road site may be the better of the two sites located on North Ridge Street. This site is located at an intersection providing good cross Village access and provides the bes". overall response time to the four schools serving the Village of Rye Brook. The Study Team suggests that the Village of Rye Brook select oce of the two North Ridge Street sites for the construction of its new permanent Fire Station. From either site, the Rye Brook Fire Department should be able to provide improved fire and EMS service through reduced response times; moreover, the Fire Department should be able to continue providing high quality fire, EMS and rescue service. RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 The Village of Rye Brook should consult the IAFC's "Fire Station Planning, Design and Construction" fire station planning document to assure that future fire station facilities are as complete and workable as possible. 4.2 The Village of Rye Brook should consider acquirij:g the prrr:,,ty necessary for the future fire statica office the Village Bo:•:.a dP* rm:: - .;:3 futu_-z fir-- station develorni,mt plan. 4.3 Given the excellent response times projected for sites currentiy under consideratic., for the one-fire-stator. option and the estimated cost increases, the Village of Rye Brook should utilize just one fire station. 4.5 The Village of Rye Brook should select one of the two North Ridge Street sites for the construction of its new permanent Fire Station. 79 Carroll Baracker&Associates,Inc.