Captiva fire commission OKs lease for ambulance, more
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission approved a lease agreement for Lee County to house an ambulance at the fire station and replacement of the station’s damaged roof during its meeting.
On April 11, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution to enter into the agreement with the county for Lee County EMS staff and one ambulance to utilize the station for $3,000 per month.
The Lee County Commission will consider the final agreement in May for approval.
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul noted that he got a minimum required staff level in writing.
Commissioner Jeff Brown expanded on that by explaining county officials have agreed to staffing the ambulance at least 90 percent of time. District administration and the commission have raised concerns about the island unit being “browned out,” or unstaffed, if and when the county’s EMS is shorthanded.
He continued that if Pawul finds the unit is not being staffed at least 90 percent of time, he has the ability to alert county officials to the situation. If staffing levels do not improve to the minimum of 90 percent of the time within 30 days, Pawul can terminate their lease agreement with 30 days notice.
Also at the meeting, the commissioners voted 3-0 on a resolution for Saint Raphael Roofing to replace the station’s roof that was damaged by Hurricane Ian. The quote for the project was about $241,000.
Prior to the vote, Pawul explained it is the same company that originally installed the roof. He added that it would be a complete replacement of the roof and the other quotes he received were higher.
“I thought it would be more than this,” Commissioner Sherrill Sims said of the total.
Also during the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 on a resolution to approve the terms for a line of credit with Synovus bank. The terms were for $750,000, with the ability to increase that if needed.
Prior to the vote, representatives from Synovus provided a presentation on the line of credit and proposed terms, as well as answered questions from the commissioners. During the discussion, Brown noted that the intent was to have it for any operating shortfall created by the property tax refund.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul provided an update on the FEMA reimbursement process for the district. It has declined covering administrative overtime. Meanwhile, he is waiting on the insurance’s summary of repairs.
– Pawul shared that no major issues have come up so far with the annual financial audit.
– Pawul reported that the district’s state-mandated Performance Review is about 80 percent done.
“We will make our deadline per statute,” he said.
– The district responded to 34 incidents in March compared to 47 for the same month last year.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email