2004 AGN JUN 01 I06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item #6 CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 1, 2004 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: AMER JAKHER, P.E., CITY ENGINEER ON SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION REQUEST TO SOLICIT PUBLIC BIDS FOR FIRE STATION NO. 1 TRAINING TOWER STRUCTURE DATE: May 24, 2004 BACKGROUND: The Fire Department training tower was originally built in 1957, by Fire Department personnel. The structure consists of telephone poles at each corner with three tier platforms with 2x4 and 2x6 construction, attached at 10 -foot intervals. In 1962 the tower was enclosed and windows, doors, and an interior stairway constructed to simulate conditions found in a multi -story structure. The tower was constructed without the benefit of engineered plans, nor reviewed for compliance with existing building codes at that time. Due to the age and heavy use throughout the years, the tower is now in an extremely deteriorated condition. In the current condition, the structure does not meet existing OSHA regulations. A professional structural engineer (HR Engineering) was retained by the Fire Department to perform a structural analysis of the tower, to determine whether or not the structure was safe for continued use. It was determined that the only structural support of the tower, is the four comer post, which failed a required wind load test. Since the main components failed this preliminary test, it was not necessary to perform a full structural analysis of the walls or stairs. In addition to this structural analysis, an inspection was made by the City Building Department, concluding that the interior stairs do not meet code and will require reconstruction. ANALYSIS/DISCUSS ION: Since its construction, the tower has been used on a regular weekly basis for various types of training exercises, as well as bi-annual firemen performance evaluations and probationary firefighter testing. The tower has also been used for Police Department Swat Team training. Continuous manipulative training is necessary to maintain firefighter skills, which are necessary to perform the many tasks required in a variety of emergency scenarios.