The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission approved sending a letter of intent to the Rauschenberg Foundation for the acquisition of three of its parcels on the island at a recent meeting.
On Oct. 15, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to authorize the submission of the letter.
According to the letter, the district seeks to purchase a portion of the foundation’s property so it can improve and expand its operational capacity for the immediate benefit of residents and visitors.
It shared that securing a strategically located parcel is vital for improving response times and ensuring resilience during high-stress emergency events, and the property is necessary to expand its current facilities and establish a more efficient, future-proof operational base.
The district continued that the intended use for the property would include: future development of a resilient fire station, permanent helicopter landing zone for medical emergencies, dedicated facilities to stage and distribute emergency supplies after a natural disaster, creation of a fire training facility and construction of a fire boat docking area.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Jeff Brown — who has been working with Fire Chief Jeff Pawul on the fact finding and due diligence into the possible purchase — provided an update for the others.
He outlined what was covered in the letter, including the district’s intended use for the land.
Brown reported that they included that the district would like to buy the three bayside parcels totaling about 9.81 acres, but respect that the foundation would like to sell the approximate 22 total acres of property in one transaction. If it has a buyer interested in the full property, the district conveyed that it is open to working with the buyer to purchase the three or other parcels that accommodate its needs.
He continued that the district would provide $25,000 in earnest money and proceed to work on the purchase agreement, allowing for 60 days for further diligence work. If everything comes back as good, the district would put up another $25,000 for $50,000 in total, which would go toward the final cost.
The next step would be moving into the approval period, including the election referendum.
Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that he spoke with the Lee County Elections Office, which requested that they set the referendum vote for Feb. 10 rather than Jan. 27 due to the holidays and having to mail ballots overseas. He continued that they would need the information by Nov. 12 to make it all work.
Returning to the letter, Brown continued that they included that the district would then have until almost the end of March to finalize the documents with the bank and everything — if Captiva voters approve the referendum. The closing would then be planned by April 10, but no later than Oct. 30.
He noted that they extended the closing to allow for the foundation’s final residency program season.
“This is a nonbinding letter of intent,” Brown said. “It just outlines our terms and that we would like to enter into a contract with them.”
Asked for their input on the letter, the other commissioners voiced support.
“You covered everything that we needed covered,” Commissioner Carole Campbell said.
“Very good, very well done,” Commissioner Sherrill Sims added.
Moving on to the district’s offer price for inclusion in the letter, Brown reported that the appraiser valued the three parcels at $27.6 million. He suggested offering maybe $21.5 million to $23 million.
He asked for input from the others.
“What is your gut feeling telling you?” Sims asked. “Because you have put more into this.”
Brown explained that if they do $21.5 million to $22 million, then the bond would be $23 million.
“I would not go above $22 million,” he said.
Sims voiced agreement and support for offering $21.5 million.
“Our offer has to be attractive,” Campbell said. “I just feel like it’s got to be at the $22 million.”
“If it’s one shot and done, let’s go with the $22 million,” Sims responded.
“It is our only chance,” Campbell said in agreement.
The commission came to a consensus to offer the foundation $22 million for the three parcels.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email