The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved three resolutions and three district policies at its recent meeting, as well as received a financial update and discussed holiday fireworks.

On April 10, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution to negotiate and execute a contract with the architectural firm Schenkel & Shultz for the construction phase services for Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road in an amount not to exceed $201,390.50.

“This is part of the process and a standard service,” Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said before the vote.

The commission also voted 3-0 on a resolution to amend the carry forward funds in the fiscal year 2024 budget to equal the audited fiscal year 2023 fund balance, which will show the following adjustments:

– The carrying forward and allocation of the district’s 2022-23 fiscal year end fund balance in the amount of $10,555,387. The total adjustment required is an increase of $127,596.

– Add impact fee expenditure of $100,000 for the brush truck.

– Add Lee County Board of County Commissioners lease agreement income to intergovernmental income at $43,079.68.

– Add board-approved assigned fund balances to budget summary.

– Adjust interest earnings for fiscal year 2024.

The commissioners also voted 3-0 on a resolution to close two certificate of deposit (CD) accounts and merge both account balances into new, interest-bearing checking account with Bank of the Islands.

In addition, the commission voted 3-0 on district policies regarding Travel and Per Diem Expenses, Employee Cell Phone Stipend and Capitalization, Depreciation and Disposition of Assets.

Barbot explained that all three were statutorily required and requested by the district’s auditor.

Also during the meeting, Barbot provided a report on the district’s financials. He reported that the district is on budget, however, vehicle maintenance costs is an area of concern. Barbot explained that they are seeing increases of 30%. The district will likely have to increase the allocation next year.

He also spoke about the Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds available through the county. Barbot explained that the county wrote it so special districts are not eligible unless they partner with a city, so he has talked to the city of Sanibel’s administrative staff.

“They agreed they’re going to try to help us get this grant funding,” Barbot said.

“We are going to request grant funding through that program,” he added.

Also at the meeting, Barbot explained that the city council will soon discuss whether to hold Fourth of July fireworks. However, he is concerned about how dry the island is and amount of dry vegetation.

Barbot asked for the commission’s thoughts and direction on the subject.

“It’s not a good time to do it,” Commissioner Bruce Cochrane said, adding that he thinks the district would not be properly serving the community if it agreed to fireworks considering the conditions.

Commissioner Richard McCurry echoed that.

“I think it’s a real hazard for us, a real danger, a real safety issue,” he said. “I’m in favor of not supporting having the fireworks.”

Commissioner Jerry Muench agreed.

“I think it’s a bad idea,” he said of fireworks.

Barbot reported that he would draft a letter to the city on behalf of the district.

IN OTHER NEWS

– Jeff Tuscan, with Tuscan & Company, presented the commissioners with the final report on the district’s annual audit for 2022-23. He reported that the firm had an unmodified — clean — opinion.

The commission voted 3-0 to accept the audit as reported.

– Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria provided an update on personnel training.

He reported that staff has been conducting nighttime operations on the fire vessel, along with five-minute drills at night. DiMaria added that BIG ARTS plans to demolish the Strauss Theater in June and offered up the structure for training. Staff will undergo rope training, search-and-rescue and more.

– The district has responded to 397 calls this year, compared to 232 for the same period last year.

“We are up 70%,” DiMaria said. “So there is a major uptick in call volume.”

– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: Lt. Shane Grant 14 years; and firefighter Bryan Clement five years.