The fire district had proposed to the city council that the district become the lead agency in the development of the intersection so that the work could be completed faster.

The fire district is pushing for a Sept. 17 opening of the new fire station to coincide with Celebrate Saratoga! weekend.

"This is an easier approach for the development work in the area. We will save time and the work can be finished before the opening of the fire station. The city is going to save money, too," said Councilwoman Kathleen King.

The agreement eliminates the need to go looking for a new contractor for the project. The contractor selected before by the fire district will take over the project.

The city will pay the district $152,895. The district will take care of all the work at the intersection—construction of a sidewalk, curb and gutter work at the front and the widening of Highway 9 to create a right-turn lane on the highway to Saratoga Avenue for eastbound traffic. Most of the improvements are located in a Caltrans right-of-way area.