The Staff Reports correctly states why the Fire Board decided to look for alternative sites to continue to fulfill its responsibility to serve the downtown area:

"In the event that the City makes the determination that the Initiative applies to the Station 6 Project, the District would either have to contest that determination in court or obtain voter approval for the Station 6 Project. This would delay the Project by at least six months to a year and cost the District approximately $95,000 in election costs."

Few seem to be concerned about a Fire Station until they have a fire, or a medical emergency. When that happens, time is of the essence and there is no better way to respond then to be located near-by.

Here is exactly what the Fire Board decided regarding Station 6:

"Upon motion by Director Carpenter, seconded by Director Silano, the Board hereby determines that since the City of Menlo Park is unwilling to proceed expeditiously regarding Station 6 that no additional expenditures will be made to rebuild Station 6 at its current location and the District will consider alternate locations. (Vote: 3-0-1; Abstain: Kiraly; Absent: Bernstein)"

This is good example of a non-collaborative working relationship between the FD and City. Woodside FD and Woodside and Portola Valley and Central County FD and Hillsborough and Burlingame don't seem to have these issues. The City needs to get its act together so the FD can manage its station upgrades.

Most cities the size of MP have a fire station that can adequately serve and is located in the downtown area. Station 6 needs to be updated and "George" reflects what some people believe. History has proven that one is needed in this area.

Also, having a fire station in the downtown area attracts 'visitors' as they walk by, especially children who want to see the big red fire trucks.

As a comparison go look at the new Station 2 being built on University Ave in East Palo Alto.
The planning for the East Palo Alto station and its 100 ft antenna started at the same time as the planning for the Menlo Park Station 6 replacement. The 100 ft antenna, which allows the Fire District to have line of sight communications with most of the bay area, was completed a year ago - and would never have been allowed in Menlo Park. And the East Palo Alto station will be completed by the end of this year.

In the meantime the Fire District is still looking for an acceptable site in Menlo Park that the city is willing to approve.