Sanibel fire commission OKs legislative rep, hears update
The Sanibel and Fire Rescue District’s commission selected a legal firm to represent the district on legislative matters and heard an update on the reconstruction of Station 172 during its recent meeting.
On Oct. 11, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to hire Manson Bolves Donaldson Tanner to serve as its legislative representative at the state level for $20,000. The district also received offers from two others: Ramba Consulting Group for $25,000 and Lewis, Longman & Walker for $45,000.
Before the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot explained that the district is still short on the funds needed to rebuild Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road. Early project costs are estimated at about $8.6 million.
He noted that four years ago, the build would have cost half of that.
“It’s astronomical,” Barbot said, adding that the district has no option but to rebuild the fire station.
He continued that the plan is to submit an appropriations request to the state for funding, which requires legislative work and two sponsors for the project. Barbot reached out to Rep. Adam Botana and Sen. Jonathan Martin and both have agreed to sponsor it, but a representative is still needed.
Also at the meeting, the commission voted 3-0 to engage with the same firm — Manson Bolves Donaldson Tanner — for legal and general counsel. The firm’s rate will be at $275 per hour.
Prior to the vote, Barbot reported that the firm would be used on an as needed basis, similar to the district’s current counsel. It also would not end its relationship with Lewis, Longman & Walker.
“We choose which firm we want to engage with the legal matter at hand,” he said.
Also during the meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson gave an update on the Station 172 reconstruction project. He reported that he recently met with the architectural firm and took a 3-D walkthrough of the design. Some small changes are being considered to make it more efficient.
Barbot added that the district will eventually need three variance approvals from the Sanibel Planning Commission — for height, percentage of paved development and flag pole placement. Once those variances are approved, the project can move to permitting, with the aim to go out to bid in December.
He continued that the hope is to break ground in late February.
“We’re still on the right timeline,” Barbot said.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commission directed staff to proceed with publishing a request for proposal for a brush truck.
– Barbot reported that the district was awarded $8 million from the state through the Hurricane Recovery Program. It applied for the revenue loss and station rebuild due to Hurricane Ian.
– Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that work has begun on the Performance Review mandated by the state. The information requested for the report will go back as far as 2018.
“Conservatively, we’re about 20% done with gathering the information they need,” he said.
– The district has responded to 715 calls this year, compared to 1,336 for the same period for 2022.
“We’re still down about 54%,” Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria said.
– Division Chief of Fire Prevention Larry Williams reported that he had conducted 720 fire plan reviews for the year as of the meeting.
– The following personnel were recognized for their years of service: firefighter Adam Felix for four years; firefighter Joe Nygaard for 22 years; Lt. John Reitenbach for 20 years; and firefighter Craig Shelby for six years.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email