Sanibel fire commissioners OK new security for stations
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved funds for a handful of items at its recent meeting, including a new security system for both stations and repairs due to a broken water pipe.
On Nov. 10, the commissioners voted 3-0 to allocate about $49,024 to implement new security measures at Stations 171 and 172. Prior to the vote, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that the new security plan includes key fob entry for all the doors, exterior cameras, a security camera for the medical supply room, and an intercom for the public at Station 172 that will ring to Station 171.
He explained that if someone shows up at Station 172 for assistance but the crew is out on a call, the intercom will buzz through to Station 171 and they can let that person know someone is coming.
Fire Chief Bill Briscoe added that the Sanibel police will also have fobs to access the stations.
Also at the meeting, Briscoe reported that a corroded pipe broke at one station, spilling about 480 gallons of water on the floor. In addition to the repairs, baseboards will need to be fixed and painted. The cost for the repair is about $13,354, plus maybe another $2,000 maximum for the baseboards.
“That’s why we’ve got insurance. Just for that reason,” Commissioner Jerry Muench said.
The commission voted 3-0 to pay the $5,000 insurance deductible and submit the related bills.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted 3-0 to purchase an air vault for the upgraded breathing system for about $16,505. It also voted 3-0 to replace the treadmill at each fire station for about $10,447. Used for fitness and physical evaluations, the current ones are 15 years old.
By going through a third-party vendor, the district is saving about $6,700.
Barbot added that both will come with a new, three-year extended warranty.
In addition, Briscoe shared with the commission that in switching over to Lee County’s upgraded communications system, the new contract with Motorola no longer has the county covering part of the annual maintenance fee. However, district administration had budgeted for that fee as a safeguard.
“We’re in good shape because it is budgeted for,” he said, noting that some agencies like the Cape Coral Fire Department are expecting to get hit with an approximate $40,000 maintenance fee.
“We were lucky,” Briscoe added. “We kind of saw the writing on the wall before everyone else.”
IN OTHER NEWS
– The following personnel were recognized for their years of service: engineer-EMT Edward Zarick for six years.
– The district responded to 133 calls in October, compared to 99 calls for the same month last year. The district shows about a 20 percent increase for the total year-over-year calls — up by 147 for this year.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email