Fire commission renews credit line, talks landing site
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission recently renewed an emergency line of credit and directed staff on fire plans and fee schedule, as well as heard about an EMS helicopter landing site.
At its March 9 meeting, the commissioners voted 3-0 for a resolution to renew the district’s $200,000 line of credit with Centennial Bank. The approval is also subject to review by the district attorney.
Before the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained the purpose of the line.
“We have this in place, basically, as a line of emergency,” Chair and Commissioner Jeffrey Brown added for the newest commissioner. “Typically, we would never draw on this in a normal year.”
Also at the meeting, Pawul discussed the district’s fire plan review and update to its fee schedule. As opposed to using Lee County, he reported that he would like to have the review done as an interlocal agreement with another fire district or by a third-party vendor. The schedule would be updated after.
“We charge fees for like a remodel or change of occupancy,” Pawul said.
He reported that the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department is one of the agencies to offer the service, which the San Carlos district and others use. A scope of work has been requested, with cost per hour. Asked by the commissioners, Pawul voiced support for an agreement with a district over a vendor.
The commission voted 3-0 for the district to formalize an agreement on the fire plan review.
Also during the meeting, Pawul and Brown explained that the district can no longer use the mowed lawn on the Rauschenberg campus as a landing site for the EMS helicopter responding to a call.
“They have other plans for that property,” Brown said.
He added that they shared the information with the Captiva Community Panel at its meeting that morning and asked for input from the community on whether the district should consider other options. Brown cited some ideas as acquiring or leasing land and executing it with a possible referendum.
“We need to kind of evaluate what our options are,” he said.
“We need to understand what options are available to the district,” Brown added. “In order to come up with the best possible solution for the island.”
Commissioner Sherrill Sims questioned how often the helicopter is needed.
Pawul reported that the district averages five to 10 calls per year.
Commissioner Colin Black asked about the district creating its own transport service.
Pawul responded that the Fort Myers Beach district transports and he has reached out to it and requested a brief analysis of the costs. He said those numbers will help to guide the conversation.
Brown explained that all viable options should be considered and reviewed.
“I think we need to take a look at what could be available — and what is available,” he said.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul reported that the district’s annual audit is starting.
“They’ll be out here at the end of this month,” he said of the firm.
– The district responded to 46 calls in February.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email