Sanibel fire board hears about new station
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission received an update on the Station 172 project at its recent meeting, as well as approved a resolution that enables the district to access its grant funding.
On Feb. 14, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson reported that demolition commenced the prior week on the Hurricane Ian-damaged fire station on Sanibel-Captiva Road. It should take about three weeks.
“The demolition is fast and furious right now,” he said.
Once the demolition is complete, the next step will be to schedule a survey company to visit the property. Jackson explained that it will stake the site, new driveway and such for the new building.
He added that the district continues to work on permits.
“The city has approved some permitting,” Jackson said.
On Feb. 9 — the first day of the demolition — Fire Chief Kevin Barbot released a statement.
“Today marks a significant yet bittersweet milestone for our community as we bid farewell to Fire Station 172. A fire station that weathered many storms and has been a home to the dedicated men and women who have served our district 172 island residents for over 50 years,” he said. “As we stand witness to the demolition of what many considered a second home, our current firefighters, alongside the dedicated board of fire commissioners, reflect on the numerous lives touched and saved from responding out of Fire Station 172.”
“Over the next 18 months, you will see ongoing work such as: our demolition, the construction of our new fire station, and the beginning of a new chapter for Sanibel Fire and Rescue District,” Barbot added. “During this time, our dedicated staff will continue to serve and respond from that location out of our temporary fire station. Our promise to you is that our services to our residents will not be interrupted, you can expect the same level of rapid high class service in district 172.”
Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to amend the budget and fund balances for the 2023-24 fiscal year. It increased the total revenues to about $8,433,084, resulting in an increase of about $2,760,042, which increased the ending fund balance reserve to about $9,475,896.
Prior to the vote, Barbot reported that the district has received multiple FEMA funds through public assistance grants, along with state grants that include $2 million for its revenue losses as a result of Ian. However, the district cannot access and utilize the funds until they have been officially budgeted for.
On a related note, he also provided an update on the district’s finances. Barbot reported that with the budget cuts made, tapping into reserves and receiving the grants, the district is in good standing.
“We are exactly on track on the budget,” he said. “Everything has kind of played out in our favor.”
IN OTHER NEWS
– Barbot reported that the district is moving through the final step to receive reimbursement from FEMA for the hurricane-damaged Station 172. It will likely be in the range of 90-100%.
– Barbot reported that the district is seeking a state appropriation to cover the remaining unfunded balance for the Station 172 rebuild project.
– Jackson provided an update on the replacement brush truck. Warrior Manufacturing was waiting on the chassis. It estimated that it will take 90 days to build and deliver the truck once it receives that.
– The district responded to 134 calls in January, compared to 93 for the same month last year.
“It’s about a 35% increase year over year,” Barbot said.
– Barbot reported that firefighter-EMT Carl Johanson retired effective Jan. 31.