Sanibel fire board updated on station projects
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission heard updates on the design of one fire station and the construction of the second one during its recent meeting, plus adjusted the fire prevention fees.
On Aug. 13, Schenkel Shultz’s Nathalie White gave a presentation on the plans for the reconstruction of Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road. Similar to how the engineering, architectural and design firm approached Station 172, it looked at what makes Sanibel special, along with the history of the district.
She spoke of the over 100-year-old, two-headed sabal palm at the station that did not survive Hurricane Ian. Once a symbol to the district and used on its patches, she reinterpreted it for the design elements.
As for the demo site plan, White explained that the existing station will be demolished. However, they will retain the apparatus bay and training building. The rebuilt station will have a smaller footprint.
She continued that the new station’s ground floor will have an elevation of 16 feet, which was requested by Fire Chief Kevin Barbot. It will exceed the 13 feet required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as it is a HUD project that is receiving federal funds.
The plans include clearing up the drainage issues, and the firm may redesign the front entrance area.
The apparatus floor will include flood vents. There will be covered outside parking, thanks to the elevated ground floor, with the rest of the site as an open gravel area with public and ADA parking.
The ground floor will entail a public access area for a possible receptionist, including an elevator and stairs. Past secure doors, there will be a mess room, decontamination room, crew bunks, an open concept dining room and kitchen, fitness room and wash room, along with a patio and lanai.
The second floor will include a war room, administrative offices, mechanical room, break room and second dining space with a smaller kitchen, coffee room, IT room and locked storage room.
The entrance stair tower will feature the district’s history, images, people and events.
As far as a timeline, White reported that project is in design development and the plan will be 60% complete by the end of August. They will then proceed with the construction documents to finalize the drawings for permitting. She estimated that they will start submitting for permits by October’s end.
The project will next go out to bid, which will be a hard bid like Station 172.
“We cannot wait to get this facility going,” Barbot said.
Also at the meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson provided an update on the reconstruction of Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road. The rear bay garage doors were set to be installed, and painting, drywall and such was ongoing inside. The rough work for the landscaping and mitigation has begun.
He reported that they hope to have the crew in the station by mid-September.
A grand opening is planned for November.
Also during the meeting, the commission voted unanimously 3-0 to revert to the district’s original inspection and plan review fees related to the building construction fee for new and existing.
Prior to the vote, Barbot explained that the district adjusted the fee to 1/4 of 1% or a $200 minimum in 2021. After Hurricane Ian, it reduced the fee to 1/4 of 1% or a $100 minimum — matching what the city was doing. He reported that the city is going back to its original fees and asked if they should also.
“I, for one, think we should follow the city’s lead,” Commissioner Bruce Cochrane said, acknowledging that that is not something he likes to do often. “I don’t see any reason not to.”
The other commissioners agreed with reverting to the original fees.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that the district responded to 1,038 calls year-to-date this year through July, compared to 833 calls for the same time period in 2024.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 42 fire plan reviews and 169 fire inspections in July.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: firefighter-paramedic Medic Steven Bledsoe for three years; and Lt. Brian Howell for 24 years.