Captiva fire board talks of truck options for replacement
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission considered proposals for a fire engine or ladder truck to replace the existing apparatus during its recent meeting, plus heard of a high water vehicle.
On Feb. 11, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul presented the new proposals from Pierce Manufacturing for the district’s replacement truck. For the same engine, it would cost $1,103,727 and take 32-35 months for completion. To change to a ladder type, it would cost $1,747,593 and take 40-42 months to finish.
He explained that the issue is the ladder height if South Seas rebuilds with taller buildings.
“We don’t have a ladder that reaches three stories,” Pawul said of the current engine.
He reported that going with a ladder truck for the replacement is probably the most prudent option because the resort aside, houses will likely be built taller islandwide after the county’s changes.
“Just due to resiliency measures and the new Land Development Code,” Pawul said.
The commission asked about funding options either way.
Pawul reported that there are discounts for 100% payment upfront, plus deferred payment.
“There’s a lot of options as far as that goes,” he said.
Pawul recommended that the district start funding the payments as soon as it places the order. He also noted that the district has already set aside $200,000 in debt service from its budget in preparation.
Pawul continued that another resident has voiced interest in helping.
“I think we should explore that option with everyone on the island,” he said, explaining that he thinks residents would be more interested in helping to fund the new truck, versus seeing a raise in taxes.
“What that campaign looks like, I think we can discuss,” Pawul said.
Also at the meeting, he reported on what the San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District did to create a high water vehicle for use in floods and storm surge, rather than buying one.
Pawul explained that the district acquired an old Florida Power & Light Company truck, modified the backend for crew seating and installed a water tank and fire pump. The upfront cost would probably be about the same or maybe a little less than buying an actual high water vehicle, but the long-time costs in terms of maintenance to keep up with the saltwater intrusion and damage would actually be cheaper.
He added that Boca Grande borrowed the truck for the recent storms and said it worked well.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul gave an update on the FEMA reimbursements for Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.
“All three projects have been approved and obligated,” he said.
– Pawul reported that he met with the district’s representative about renewing their insurance. The company no longer considers the fire boat as portable equipment, so it will require a separate policy.
“That will be a significant increase that we did not have before,” he said.
– The district responded to 36 incidents in January, which is lower than during a normal year.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email