Potential fire substation a priority as Rock Creek forms safety committee

The city of Rock Creek is forming a safety committee, with a potential fire substation as its first focus.

The committee is expected to meet monthly, or as needed, and include two city council members, one public works member, two community members, and a member of the planning commission.

It may also include members from local jurisdictions, depending on the current focus.

At a meeting on March 6, council member Dan Saumer said Rock Creek is looking to have a substation within the next two years.

The city is currently in the process of seeking bids for its public works building project, with a special meeting scheduled for May 6 to award the bid.

"We're looking at a substation in the future," Saumer said. "It won't happen immediately, we have to finish our current shop, and there are a few steps to get done before we get to that point. But hopefully in the next two years or less, we will have a substation here."

Saumer said a future substation would benefit fire protection services in Rock Creek.

"Hopefully it will enhance fire protection and response to residents in the area, and I hope that it increases the ISO rating, at least for the immediate area," he said.

The city is also looking at a fire district feasibility study, which would have to be back to the state fire marshal's office by June of 2026. Saumer said two companies are looking at conducting that study.

"Our hope is that they come in and give a presentation to our group at the May meeting, we make a decision on who to select to do the study, they will contact all the townships and dig into a lot of things. It will probably take them about six or seven months," he said.

An application for the safety committee is available on the Rock Creek City website, with a deadline of 6 p.m. on April 3.