On Aug. 6, the City Council voted six to one to approve a $5.22 million dollar bond issue for a new South end fire station and rescue truck to be sent to voters for approval in the November general election.

Councilman Mike Cero voted against the measure, saying in part that the proposal was getting too big.

“It’s a satellite station with a limited mission,” said Cero.

He specifically objected to the funding of a new fire truck within the proposal.

The Council did discuss limiting the size of the new station to reduce costs.

A motion to limit the size of the new station to 8,000 square feet passed with a vote of four to two, with Jane Meyer Brahm and Mike Grady voting no.

The fire station on S.E. 68th Street is 50 years old.

The City Council also vetted the idea that the city sell Mercerdale Park to the Mercer Island School District for a new school. The school district is in the midst of formulating a plan to rebuild and update its facilities.

The Council conferred on the need to help the school district while agreeing the park is an irreplaceable community asset.

A motion by Councilmember Mike Cero to transfer ownership to the school district failed.

Finally, the Council voted six to one to stipulate that Mercerdale Park is not for sale.