The Captiva Island Fire Control District\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
On Oct. 15, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to authorize the submission of the letter.<\/p>\n
According to the letter, the district seeks to purchase a portion of the foundation\u2019s property so it can improve and expand its operational capacity for the immediate benefit of residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Jeff Brown \u2014 who has been working with Fire Chief Jeff Pawul on the fact finding and due diligence into the possible purchase \u2014 provided an update for the others.<\/p>\n
He outlined what was covered in the letter, including the district\u2019s intended use for the land.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The next step would be moving into the approval period, including the election referendum.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 if Captiva voters approve the referendum. The closing would then be planned by April 10, but no later than Oct. 30.<\/p>\n
He noted that they extended the closing to allow for the foundation\u2019s final residency program season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a nonbinding letter of intent,\u201d Brown said. \u201cIt just outlines our terms and that we would like to enter into a contract with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked for their input on the letter, the other commissioners voiced support.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou covered everything that we needed covered,\u201d Commissioner Carole Campbell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery good, very well done,\u201d Commissioner Sherrill Sims added.<\/p>\n
Moving on to the district\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
He asked for input from the others.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is your gut feeling telling you?\u201d Sims asked. \u201cBecause you have put more into this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown explained that if they do $21.5 million to $22 million, then the bond would be $23 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would not go above $22 million,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sims voiced agreement and support for offering $21.5 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur offer has to be attractive,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cI just feel like it\u2019s got to be at the $22 million.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s one shot and done, let\u2019s go with the $22 million,\u201d Sims responded.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is our only chance,\u201d Campbell said in agreement.<\/p>\n
The commission came to a consensus to offer the foundation $22 million for the three parcels.<\/p>\n