SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently conducted rope rescue training at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. BIG ARTS gave the district permission to use the building before it is demolished in June.

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved an update to the fire prevention fee schedule and new district policies during its recent meeting, as well as heard about ongoing training.

On May 8, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution to set a new fee schedule for prevention services effective May 8, which consists of fire plans reviews and fire inspection fees.

Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot explained that due to the hurricane damage, staff are anticipating that a lot of emergency permits will be submitted for tear-downs and such. He noted that the city approved a 50% reduction in its permit fees to offer some relief, but the district has not.

Barbot continued that the proposed change would apply to the fee for new and existing building construction. It would reduce it to 1/4 of 1% or a $100 minimum — versus a $200 minimum.

Also at the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 to approve new policies related to: Ground Ladder Testing, Reporting for Duty, Overtime, Conduct and Behavior, Drivers License Requirement, Facility Security, Hours of Work for Administrative Employees and Vacation Leave for Admin Employees.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently conducted rope rescue training at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. BIG ARTS gave the district permission to use the building before it is demolished in June.

Also during the meeting, Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that staff has started training at the Strauss Theater. BIG ARTS gave the district permission to use it before it is demolished in early June. The first round of training entailed rope rescues. Next up will be search and rescue and fire operations.

IN OTHER NEWS

– Barbot provided an update on the district’s $2.1 million state appropriations request. He reported that the district is about “99% there” on receiving the funding as only the governor can veto the ask now.

“I think we’re sitting pretty good on that,” Barbot said.

– Barbot reported that with the city of Sanibel’s assistance, an $8.6 million request for Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding will be submitted to Lee County. The funds would be used to raise Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road above the floodplain elevation.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently conducted rope rescue training at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. BIG ARTS gave the district permission to use the building before it is demolished in June.

“Will it happen? I don’t know,” he said. “But we’re going to try real hard to get it.”

– Barbot reported that the district is hoping to get a fee reduction from the Island Water Association for water hook up at the new Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road. It will be brought before its board.

“We’re talking about a few thousand dollars,” he said.

– An official groundbreaking for the new station is scheduled for June 7 at 10 a.m.

– The district has responded to 508 calls this year, versus about 316 for the same period last year.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently conducted rope rescue training at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. BIG ARTS gave the district permission to use the building before it is demolished in June.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently conducted rope rescue training at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. BIG ARTS gave the district permission to use the building before it is demolished in June.