The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission discussed the upcoming election referendum and Rauschenberg property during its recent meeting, plus heard an update on the ladder truck agreement.
On Jan. 13, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul shared with the commissioners what he reported at the Captiva Community Panel meeting: the Rauschenberg Foundation has entered into discussions with a potential buyer, but it is not the district nor the island-friendly developer that the district had planned to work with.
Commissioner Jeff Brown, who has been working with the chief on attempting to secure some of the parcels, added that the full property — approximately 22 total acres — appears to be under contact.
“The sale has not closed yet,” he said.
Brown continued that the broker for the foundation reported that they are currently conducting their due diligence on the possible sale. However, if the sale falls apart, they will contact the district.
“I think it was a good process to go through,” he said, explaining that the commission learned a lot and it will learn where the community stands on the district acquiring land in the future with the election.
Pawul reiterated that the bond referendum on Feb. 10 is not tied to the Rauschenberg parcels or any specific property or even time period, which he reported he also explained at the panel’s meeting.
Brown added that the district recently posted a “Bond Referendum FAQ” page on its website.
“This page provides factual information about the upcoming bond referendum so residents can understand what is being proposed,” according to the page. “The district cannot advocate for a voting outcome and presents this information solely for public awareness and transparency.”
To view the page, visit https://www.captivafire.com/bond-referendum-faq.
Also at the meeting, Pawul provided an update on the agreement that the commissioners approved with South Seas for the resort to partially fund the new ladder truck so crews can reach the taller buildings.
He reported that the district’s attorney had communication recently with South Seas’ attorneys. They were under the impression that the agreement had already been signed by the resort and did not know why it had not yet been delivered. They added that they would look into it to see what was going on.
Also during the meeting, the commission voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution authorizing the disposal of district equipment that no longer has a useful life, including a fire hose, positive pressure fan, bunker gear and remote nozzle.
Prior to the vote, Pawul explained that some, if not most, of the items will be donated to the Dominican Republic, which lost a ton of stuff in the recent storms. Lee County has been doing a campaign for it.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The district will hold an open house on Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire station.
– Pawul reported that the district responded to 31 incidents in December.
– Pawul reported that the district conducted 27 fire inspections in December.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email