Ceres City Councilman Mike Kline wants the city to explore the future of the former Industrial Fire Station at 830 Pecos Avenue in light of the city accepting transfer of ownership.

The July 25 City Council agenda contained a resolution to have the city accept title to the station – commonly known as Ceres Fire Station #2 – from the Industrial Fire District. Industrial Fire Department has been contracting with the city of Ceres for fire suppression services since 2007 and hadn’t turned the station over until now. The Industrial Fire District is located within the sphere of influence of the cities of Ceres and Modesto, principally the South Ninth Street corridor and residential areas south of River Road to Ceres city limits.

Last year the city of Ceres began contracting with the city of Modesto to run the fire department.

The city of Ceres spends about $62,805 for utilities and maintenance annually on the station which is offset by revenues from Industrial Fire.

Kline pulled the item for discussion, saying he wants city staff to explore the possibilities of improving the station.

“We know that is an old station, needs to be upgraded, things need to be done, whether it’s living quarters, plumbing, whatever,” said Kline. “At least come back with an idea of what renovations need to be done, a cost, what need to be done if we tore it down and rebuilt the station there. The feasibilities if that is the right place for a station.”

When it came to a vote to accept the station with the understanding of a future study for possible renovations, Kline, Vice Mayor Bret Silveira and Mayor Javier Lopez voted in favor while Councilman James Casey voted no.