The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District\u2019s commission approved two resolutions and a policy at its recent meeting, as well as heard about the new fire engine search and a fire hydrant beautification project.<\/p>\n
On June 17, the commissioners voted unanimously 2-0 on a resolution authorizing the fire chief to execute the first amendment to the Fire Station 171 construction contract with the Manhattan Construction Company.<\/p>\n
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot explained that it corrects the schedule language related to substantial completion and final completion for the Palm Ridge Road project, which is being funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development\u2019s Community Development Block Grant \u2014 Disaster Recovery program (CDBG-DR) through the county.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, the commission voted 2-0 on a resolution adopting the audited carry forward balance for the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, approving a budget amendment to the fiscal year 2025-26 general fund budget, and approving the fiscal year 2025-26 impact fee fund budget.<\/p>\n
The audited carry forward balance is $15,587,422. The budget amendment brings the total revenues and expenditures to $27,947,334. The impact fee fund budget recognizes $31,377 in restricted and unearned impact fee funds and estimates $7,500 in impact fee revenue, with no planned expenditures and a projected ending restricted and unearned balance of $38,877.<\/p>\n
Also at the meeting, the commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the following policy: Firefighter Cancer Presumption Benefits and Leave, including the Return-to-Work\/Light-Duty Medical Status Form.<\/p>\n
FIRE ENGINE<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, Barbot provided an update on the search for a new engine.<\/p>\n
He reported that the Fort Myers Shores Fire Protection and Rescue Service District contracted for its new apparatus about three and a half years ago. It paid about $750,000 and received it two years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe received a quote of $1.3 million,\u201d Barbot said.<\/p>\n
He added that the quote is just for the truck; it does not include all the equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is going to require an adjustment to our budget,\u201d Barbot said.<\/p>\n
He continued that because of the price difference between what Fort Myers Shores paid and the quote that the district received, it cannot piggyback off the other contract and will have to do its own bid.<\/p>\n
Barbot also noted that there is a three-year lead time on the delivery.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Richard McCurry confirmed with staff that the district had previously budgeted $1 million for the new engine and asked if they had any idea of what the total build-out may cost.<\/p>\n
Barbot offered a rough estimate of an extra $100,000 to $150,000 for everything.<\/p>\n
McCurry explained that they need to be fiscally responsible, but still want to provide the best tools.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not want to short the guys at all,\u201d he said of the district\u2019s crew.<\/p>\n
Barbot reported that a meeting was coming up, so maybe they could work on the pricing range.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee if $1.3 million is the new norm,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe there are other options to bring it down.\u201d<\/p>\n
McCurry also asked about a deadline.<\/p>\n
Barbot reported that there is none, but he was aiming to get it under procurement this fiscal year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that doesn\u2019t happen, it doesn\u2019t happen,\u201d he said, adding that the district should keep in mind the years-long lead time though that will be involved to finally take possession of the apparatus.<\/p>\n
FIRE HYDRANTS<\/p>\n
Also at the meeting, Barbot reported on a fire hydrant beautification art program in the works.<\/p>\n
He explained that island artist Rachel Pierce approached the district about painting one of them on Periwinkle Way, and after some thought he approved it, thinking that it would be a great idea.<\/p>\n
Barbot later became concerned that it may upset people, so he reached out to the city\u2019s staff. They had no problem with the painted hydrant but would run it by the city council, which also loved the idea.<\/p>\n
He noted that the Island Water Association also had no issue with it.<\/p>\n
Barbot reported that the district is now working on a second hydrant with the city.<\/p>\n
He continued that staff is putting together a contract and an approval process for hydrant artwork, which will include city rule compliance, prohibition of advertising and logos, and maintenance expectations, plus acknowledgment that all hydrants remain district property and under its control.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s going to be a really neat program for the island,\u201d Barbot said.<\/p>\n
IN OTHER NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2013 Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson provided an update on the Station 171 construction.<\/p>\n
As of the meeting, the contractor was working on the front half of the building.<\/p>\n
\u201cDemolition is going well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Demolition of the station is expected to be 100% finished by June 26. Once the building has been demolished, they will lay out the new station\u2019s corners, plus the footers and column locations.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Barbot reported that the inflatable rescue boat for Station 172 has been ordered.<\/p>\n
The district should receive it this week and expects to have it in service in a few weeks.<\/p>\n
He noted that they were able to purchase the asset thanks to a $8,500 donation from Bank of the Islands, which covered about 98% of the cost, plus proceeds from a specialty shirt from On Island.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Barbot reported that the district responded to 141 calls in May, compared to 126 calls for the same month last year. It has responded to 743 calls this year, compared to 812 calls for the same time period for 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 23 fire plan reviews and 120 fire inspections in May.<\/p>\n
\u2013 The following staff were recognized for their years of service: Barbot for 16 years; and Williams for seven years.<\/p>\n