Captiva fire board gives staff direction on replacing engine
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission provided direction on the new truck to replace the district’s existing apparatus at its recent meeting, as well as was updated on the high water vehicle.
On March 11, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul reported that the district has two options for replacing the fire engine, which needs to be replaced and is coming up on the schedule, with a ladder truck that is able to reach three stories. It can custom order the truck, like it has done before, or go with a “spec truck.”
“They have started building spec trucks that you can buy. But you’re limited on the options you can change,” he said, explaining that they could change a few minor things but not fully customize it.
For a custom truck, the district would pick the model and its specifications, then have to wait several years for receipt — as the price increases. With a spec truck, the district would select a model from the available offerings or give an example of what it is looking for, then hope for the vendor to offer that.
“But you get it in one year instead of in four years,” Pawul said of buying a spec truck. “We can try that route — or do you just order one (custom truck) and get in line?”
The commission asked whether a spec truck would meet the district’s needs like a custom truck.
“It is still suited to what we need,” he said. “It’s just not a customized one.”
The commission directed staff to proceed with a spec truck.
Also during the meeting, Pawul gave an update on the district purchasing a retired Florida Power & Light Company truck and refurbishing it as a high water vehicle for use in floods and storm surges — like the San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District did — versus buying a vehicle.
“Cost wise, usability, and repair and maintenance,” he reiterated of the pros of doing so.
Pawul reported that the vendor selling the truck will do the majority of the refurbishing, which will be included in the purchase price of about $40,000. When the district receives the truck, it will have to have it painted and add lights and such, which will come to a total price in the $50,000-$60,000 range.
The district budgeted $35,000 for the truck, so it will have to figure out the remainder.
Pawul added that he should have the contract at the next meeting for the commission to consider.
Also at the meeting, he provided an update on renewing the district’s insurance. Pawul reiterated that the fire boat is no longer considered equipment, so a separate policy and premium had to be written.
He continued that the district’s policy holder changed a few years ago when its original provider was acquired. The current holder said that it wanted to increase all premiums within three years. The $5,000 that the district paid grew to $6,800 in 2023 and to $15,000 last year and the renewal is now $21,000.
“They said our premium should be over $61,500 in a few years,” Pawul said.
He added that the provider said if it did not already have a policy with the district, it would not be providing coverage because the district is on a barrier island. Pawul noted that the issue with finding a new one is there are currently not a lot insurance providers that do government buildings and such.
“We are fine for this year, but going forward these are not going to be our numbers,” he said of the $21,000 renewal for the new year.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commissioners discussed a draft community survey on storm readiness and recovery, which was prepared by the Captiva Community Panel, and provided feedback on the questions to share with it.
– The district responded to 43 incidents in February.
“A lot of marine calls,” Pawul said.
“We’ve had a couple of serious calls on the water that we’ve had to run,” he added.
Pawul reported that in the Boca Grande Pass, a woman was injured when the boat she was on hit the wake of a passing boat and she was lifted into the air and came down. Also, the Captiva Cruises’ Lady Chadwick was overtaken by the wake of another boat and a man fell out of his chair and went down.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email