Winona to Explore Merging Public Safety Building, Community Center

The Winona City Council meeting held on Nov. 1

WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-The Winona City Council discussed a possible location for a Public Safety Center that would house the city’s police and fire departments earlier this week. 

“It’s not ADA compliant, it doesn’t meet basic equity needs. It needs new windows, new roofing, all of the things you need to do, not mention H-VAC,” Council President Michelle Alexander said while describing issues with Central Fire Station. 

A lack of space is an issue at Central Fire Station and the Police Department. Mayor Scott Sherman says poor ventilation is also an issue for the PD. 

“If an officer is testing fentanyl he has to have someone across the hall sitting there watching to make sure that officer that’s doing the testing, because he was inadequate venting in that area, just to make sure that officer doesn’t pass out and/or pass away,” Sherman said.  

Sherman and Alexander both said the poor state of the facilities could inhibit the city’s ability to recruit new firefighters and police officers.  

Consulting group BKV provided the council with a site recommendation for a potential public safety facility. The recommendation was based on response time and other factors. 

BKV recommended the city use the site at the East End Rec. Center. The city has eyed that space to construct a new community center that would act as a hub for the Friendship Center and other types of programming.  

City leaders expressed support for possibly merging a community and public safety center but also said they would further study the issue and get public input before making any decisions.  

BKV estimated the new cost of the center to range between $23 million and $26 million.