Captiva fire board OKs ladder truck to replace engine
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission approved the new ladder truck to replace the district’s existing apparatus during its recent meeting, plus heard an update regarding South Seas.
On April 8, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a proposal from Ten-8 Fire and Safety and Pierce Manufacturing for a Pierce Enforcer 107′ Ascendant PUC Ladder stock unit for a cost not to exceed the proposed $1,796,137. The “spec” aerial ladder truck is based on a similar job and contract.
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that the cost for the stock demo unit is comparable with an almost identical one that was recently built, but the proposed number may change. In selecting the desired “spec” model, they compared the specifications with the current apparatus to be replaced.
The other usual option of a custom order truck would have increased the cost and time for arrival.
Pawul continued that the next steps for the demo unit is the purchase order will be created and sent to the sales department, which will compare the order with the new inventory each month for a match. When the order matches up with an available “spec” truck, the apparatus will be pulled for the district.
“They only do a couple of these every month,” he said of the demos, adding that all of the sales team have orders and contracts in the queue. “It is not a for sure thing. It could take a couple of rounds.”
As far as funding the replacement apparatus, Pawul reported that the district has three lease options available: eight years, 10 years and 12 years. The annual payment date is adjustable, and he suggested mid-January to make budgeting easier. It could also lock in the interest rates or see if they do down.
The district is looking at a down payment of $200,000, though it budgeted $250,000 for the new truck. He explained that he went with the lower amount because the district is still so far out on its tax collections and it did not budget for the station’s flood panels and possible high water vehicle purchase.
Asked about the life expectancy of the new apparatus, Pawul said the industry standard is 10 years.
“We’ve been able to stretch our trucks past 10 years,” he said, explaining that they do not put as much daily wear and tear on the trucks like other agencies do. “For us, we push everything closer to 15.”
For the existing apparatus, Pawul was waiting on a trade-in value. He reported that it is not worth a lot and he expects roughly $100,000, which would increase the district’s down payment on the new one.
He added that he spoke with the district’s attorney, who confirmed that contributions made to the district are tax deductible. If a resident wants to donate, it qualifies and would reduce the total cost.
During discussion, Commissioner Jeff Brown voiced support for going with the 10-year lease and paying it off by then. If paid off sooner, those funds could be set aside for the next replacement.
Also at the meeting, the commissioners voted 3-0 on a resolution to approve the amendment of Administrative Policy — Procurement Policy, which was approved under a prior resolution.
Also during the meeting, Pawul gave an update on the South Seas rezoning application.
He reiterated that the district and resort came to an agreement with two conditions if the rezoning request were to be approved, which he read into the public record for the county Hearing Examiner.
Per the agreement, South Seas would partially fund the new ladder truck at $644,000 to offset the additional cost to buy an apparatus with a tall enough ladder to reach the higher buildings being proposed for construction at the resort. In addition, it would provide the district with indoor building space on the northern end of its property for storing fire and rescue equipment and an apparatus.
Pawul reported that after he provided his statement at the hearing, South Seas officials contacted him and said they are not in agreement with the conditions. He explained that they seemed OK with the first condition regarding the funds for the truck, but are not in agreement with providing the storage space.
“It sounds like the issue is with the building,” Pawul said.
Asked by the commission, he confirmed that he has the communications with the resort’s attorney. He added that the attorney said they did not notice the second condition in the agreement or something.
“We made an agreement and I stated we made an agreement, so I don’t know,” Pawul said of his statement before the Hearing Examiner. “Apparently, they don’t feel we were grateful in their offer.”
“We’ll see what they propose as their conditions,” he added.
Pawul continued that he talked to the district’s attorney about the matter, who recommended that they end communications with South Seas and provide an update to the Lee County Commission when it considers the application. He was advised to explain that the resort is no longer in agreement with the conditions. As a result, the district has concerns about the adverse impacts of the proposed changes.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Pawul reported that the district has applied for the West Coast Inland Navigation District’s grant program for funds to replace the fire pump on the rescue boat, as well as the radar that went out.
– The district responded to 37 incidents in March.
“The last couple of weeks, we’ve picked up in call volume,” Pawul said.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email