The possibility of using federal stimulus monies to build a fire station in the Pike Street area was the main topic of discussion during Thursday's meeting of Marietta City Council's police and fire committee.

However, city officials agreed there wasn't enough time to put together a complete proposal and resolved to wait until the grants are offered again next year.

Councilwoman Kathy Shively, D-at large, said the grant, through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would provide as much as $5 million to build a new fire station or renovate an existing one. Fire Chief Tom Dempsey said he only recently learned of the program from Municipal Court Judge Janet Dyar-Welch.

Dempsey said the grant could not be used for modification of an older station unless there were health and safety issues that a renovation would address.

"We have looked, over the last two years, at either relocating Fire Station 1 (behind city hall) or at building a new station on east Pike Street, which has been recommended by ISO (Insurance Services Office advisory organization)," Dempsey said. "If the city continues to expand in that direction, then we would need that station."

The city's ISO fire suppression rating helps qualify residents and businesses within designated areas covered by the city fire department for potential insurance discounts. Dempsey said a fire station in that area would expand the department's coverage to the city limits near the Lowe's and Wal-Mart complex along Ohio 7.

Councilman Tom Vukovic, D-4th Ward, added that more than 5,000 fire departments are expected to apply for an estimated 100 grants that will be awarded.

"But if we're serious about a fire station in the east Pike Street area, this is something we need to be looking at," he said.

Councilman Jon Grimm, R-3rd Ward, was concerned about making the grant deadline, which is July 10.

"Is it worth putting the chief through the paperwork and research to apply for a grant that we have little chance of getting this year?" he asked. "If this is something we really want to do, we should sit down and put together a good plan first."

Dempsey agreed.

"I don't think we could be ready this year. It would be tough to meet the criteria at this time," he said. "I think it would be a waste of time to apply this year, but I would be willing to work with council to put something together and try for the grant when it comes around next year."

Shively said the grant is worth further consideration and suggested council start some planning toward obtaining the funding next year.