The decision paved the way for the construction of a new fire storage building in Twin Lakes on land owned by Dave Cassens in an area called Cassens Subdivision.

Manson Fire Department Assistant Chief Dave Anderson was happy with the decision.

“I’m glad that they voted what I believe is the correct decision,” Anderson said. “We would like to move forward. We’re looking forward to better serving the people of Sherman Township.”

Since then, the department has indeed moved forward with the project for the new fire storage building.

“It’s built; it’s up,” he said. “We’re working on the inside and plan on being in it soon.”

Getting the needed zoning changes involved a series of often contentious meetings, plan submissions, and even surveys of Twin Lakes residents.

Supervisor Mike Cooper had conducted a poll of residents around Twin Lakes and in Sherman Township.

“Of the 119 surveys that were returned,” Cooper said. “49 want to proceed as planned, 35 want the fire shed with its size reduced and 35 don’t want the shed at all.”

The size of the structure was one of the issues debated during the meetings.

“To satisfy the maximum number, I need to insist on 100 feet by 60 feet,” Cooper said. “I think that’s a reasonable compromise. I have to follow what the people told me.”

Cassens had submitted a site plan through his attorney, Nick Cochrane, that was shown to the supervisors at the meeting.

His proposal was 125 feet by 55 feet.

“Would you accept a 100-foot limit?” Cooper asked.

“I gave concessions everywhere,” Cassens said. “You’re sticking me with rules nobody else had — 125 feet, that’s my bottom line.”

“We started at 300 feet,” Anderson said. “It’s gone down quite a ways.”

Anderson said the fire station would have been off the table if the board had not approved the zoning changes. He said the cost of a different site would have been prohibitive due to various engineering costs and other issues, including his own checkbook.

“I’m personally paying for a storage building for the fire trucks,” he said. “If this doesn’t go through, we’re going to sell the trucks. I’m not paying anymore.”

Manson Firefighter Josh Waller talked about why having the station at Twin Lakes is a benefit.

“At a house fire, we’re running three lines,” he said. “That’s using 450 to 750 gallons of water a minute. In a best case scenario, it’s a five-minute round trip to fill a tanker. Realistically, it’s closer to 10. Ten minutes is a long time when your house is on fire.”

The fire storage building will house the Snorkel truck Manson purchased used from the Fort Dodge Fire Department. Anderson said it will be operated under the umbrella of the Manson Fire Department.

The plan also allows the aerial and other gear to be accessed by the nearby Rockwell City Fire Department for mutual aid.

Plans for the new storage building were developed as the department worked with the Calhoun County engineer, the supervisors and the Zoning Board to create the facility.