The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission received a design update on the construction of Station 171 at its recent meeting, as well as approved the closure of a line of credit and bank account.
On Jan. 21, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot provided an update on the Palm Ridge Road station.
He reported that they issued the invitation to bid on the construction project and are about halfway through the bid window. Staff also held a pre-bid conference meeting the previous week for interested contractors. Based on attendance at the meeting, there appears to be “strong interest” in the project.
“Which is awesome,” Barbot said.
The sealed bid period is next, which the board will then open to vote on the general contractor.
He also gave an update on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) funding. Barbot reported that the project is expected to come in over budget. However, in discussions with Lee County, it appears that the county is not opposed to raising the grant amount.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to close the FEMA Community Disaster loan in the amount of $1,597,423.
Prior to the vote, Barbot reported that the district applied for the line of credit to cover any post-hurricane emergency expenses after the recent storms. The maturity of the loan is 2028, but they would need to spend it by August. He added that there is no need to use funding with interest attached.
In addition, the commission voted 3-0 to close the bank account tied to the reconstruction of Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road and send the state its required interest payment of about $31,000.
Also at the meeting, Barbot provided an update on the inflatable rescue boat arbitration with the union.
He reported that a special meeting took place the prior week with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1826, which represents Sanibel’s District 17. The meeting resulted in the district drafting and sending a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Local 1826 and its attorney.
Barbot continued that the union’s attorney sent back the MOU with a requested edit. The district reviewed the change with its attorney and agreed to the edit, but had not heard back as of yet.
Toward the end of the commissioners’ meeting, Sanibel fire engineer and District 17 District Vice President Ed Zarick gave an update on behalf of the union during the union’s comment period.
He reported that they received the updated MOU and planned to sign off on it.
“The union is very happy we were able to work together and get it sorted out,” Zarick said.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that they are still working on the final punch list for Station 172 as they are waiting on items from suppliers, including a window and tower lights.
– Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that the district responded to 147 calls in December, compared to 128 calls for the same month last year — an increase of about 13%. For 2025, the district responded to a total of 1,620 calls, compared to 1,474 for 2024 — an increase of about 9%.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 19 fire plan reviews in December and a total of 443 for 2025. He also conducted 130 fire inspections in December and a total of 2,009 for 2025.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: DiMaria for 18 years; and Lt. Cliff Steele for 14 years.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email