The memo dated Jan. 27, 2020 also says temporarily relocating Engine 9 to Station 16 [at LB Airport] has had "minimal" impact on response times, despite internal LBFD records (obtained by LBREPORT.com under the CA Public Records Act) indicating a delay of several minutes in LBFD's response to the Los Cerritos area Awaida triple fatality accident (LBREPORT.com coverage here.)

In a memo dated Jan. 27 sent to Acting City Manager Tom Modica for distribution to LB's Mayor and Council, Chief Espino wrote in pertinent part: "City staff from the Economic Development and Public Works Departments have been meeting with owners of potential [Station 9 replacement] sites" that meet the City's criteria and are exploring various options. "At present, staff are in productive discussions with the property owner at 4150 Long Beach Blvd. This site appears to be very promising and an excellent location for service to the community. Ongoing negations have been productive. Staff hope to bring a recommendation to the City Council in closed session in the first quarter of 2020, and with city Council approval, in open session shortly thereafter."

Exactly how describing details of ongoing negotiations, scheduled for a future Council closed session, in publicly enthusiastic terms strengthens the City's negotiating position with the property owner isn't clear.

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In another section of the memo titled "Minimal Impact on Response Times," the memo states: "Typically, response times are shortest closer to the station and increase with the distance from the station. This is true for the temporary relocation of Engine 9 to Fire Station 16. The system as a whole continues to work well and we are not seeing response times that are of concern."

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As previously reported by LBREPORT.com, internal LBFD records (obtained by LBREPORT.com under the Public Records Act) show it took roughly 8-9 minutes from dispatch for LBFD Engine 9 and Rescue 9 To reach the Los Cerritos area triple fatality Awaida family victims of an alleged DUI driver. (Management currently has Rescue 9 based in WLB across the LA river at Station 13 on Adriatic Ave. south of Willow St. with Engine 9 at Station 16 at LB Airport.)

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And in a section titled "Funding Provided by the City Council," Chief Espino writes: "All funding was made possible using Measure A revenues." It adds that "total potential Measure A funding of $7,761,510 over the next four years, recognizes the criticality of this project and will allow staff to proceed expeditiously as we implement a solution that is in the best interest of the City."

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8th district incumbent Al Austin, who's been criticized by his two election challengers on his response to Station 9 issues, swiftly quoted and linked to the memo in his online newsletter, telling his newsletter recipients: "The City Council took swift action in September 2019 to identify funding for relocation efforts, as well as money to support property acquisition and construction costs for the new fire station" and said "

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